U.S. and Indonesian relief efforts provide hope, future

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James May
  • 36th Contingency Response Group
PALU, Indonesia --  U.S. Indo-Pacific Command sent three C-130J Super Hercules and aircrew from Yokota Air Base, Japan, and nearly 30 members from the 36th Contingency Response Group, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support USAID’s humanitarian assistance efforts in Indonesia Oct 5.

In response to a magnitude 7.5 earthquake and tsunami that struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, which left thousands displaced Sept. 28., the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Indonesia are working, alongside eight countries agencies and foreign militaries.

USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance is leading the U.S. government’s response and have disaster experts on the ground who are conducting damage assessments, identifying priority needs, and coordinating closely with local authorities

INDOPACOM will work closely with senior representatives from the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and other U.S. agencies to ensure continued, timely and swift requests from the Government of Indonesia.

The U.S. military has a history of successfully working with international relief organizations and host nations to respond to people affected by natural disasters. As INDOPACOM reaches out further into the outlying areas, it will have a better assessment of the complete scope of disaster and the needs of the people of Indonesia.