30 tons of Indonesian relief supplies landed at Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport on 9 May 2023. Photo: Hilaire Bule
Indonesia has sent 30 tons of relief supplies to aid the Vanuatu government's recovery efforts post three major natural disasters earlier this year.
The humanitarian aid were delivered on a My Indo Airline B737-800 cargo aircraft that departed from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and landed at Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport on Tuesday.
A representative of the Indonesian embassy in Canberra Doddy said the relief consisted mainly of food, tents and agricultural tools.
According to BBN Breaking news, Indonesia is also sending a 14-member humanitarian mission to Vanuatu.
"The team will include representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Cultural Affairs, Foreign Affairs Ministry, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). They will work closely with local authorities and international organizations to ensure that the aid is distributed effectively and efficiently," BNN Breaking reported.
"Indonesia's commitment to providing aid to Vanuatu showcases its strong ties to the Pacific region and its continued efforts to promote regional cooperation and support. It also highlights the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing global challenges."
But the vice president of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, who was at the airport on Tuesday morning, Lai Sakita, says the arrival of the relief supplies is suspicious.
He warned that Vanuatu government has to be very careful of the Indonesian assistance with the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)leaders summit to be held in July this year.
Sakita wants the MSG leaders at this summit to approve West Papua's application to become a full member of the sub-regional agency.
30 tons of Indonesian relief supplies landed at Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport on 9 May 2023. Photo: Hilaire Bule