MANADO, INSERTRAKYAT.com– Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who also serves as Head of the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), witnessed the handover of two mobile health service boats named Rumah Sehat Baznas to the local governments of Talaud Islands and Sangihe Islands Regencies. The event took place at Bay Pier, Manado, North Sulawesi, on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The symbolic handover was carried out by Baznas Chairman Noor Achmad together with the Minister of Home Affairs, to Talaud Regent Welly Titah and Sangihe Regent Michael Thungari. The two vessels are expected to strengthen health services and access for residents in the border regions.
In his remarks, the Minister stated that the assistance was a follow-up to earlier visits made by BNPP and Baznas several years ago, when local communities requested stronger health support from the government.
He expressed gratitude for the realization of the long-awaited project and thanked Baznas for its contribution. The Minister hoped that the boats would provide meaningful benefits for residents and help reduce maternal and infant mortality in remote border areas.
In addition to the health service boats, Baznas provided operational assistance worth one billion rupiah to support the ongoing operations of the mobile medical units.
The Minister highlighted BNPP’s vital role in managing border regions, resolving territorial disputes, and coordinating development programs to ensure that all citizens feel the presence of the state.
He emphasized that development in border areas is an act of fairness and equality, ensuring that progress is not limited to major cities but also reaches the nation’s outermost regions.
As an example, the Minister referred to the economic growth around Skouw Jayapura and Sota Merauke Border Posts, where citizens of Papua New Guinea often shop on the Indonesian side due to the stronger domestic economy.
He noted that this economic advantage not only boosts prosperity but also strengthens the sense of national pride among residents, which in turn enhances national defense in border zones.
The BNPP is currently collecting input and proposals from regional leaders to design a comprehensive blueprint for border development. A coordination meeting involving relevant ministries and institutions is scheduled for mid-November 2025.
After the handover ceremony, the Minister inspected the two Rumah Sehat Baznas boats, reviewed their health facilities, and even checked his own blood pressure. He also engaged with the medical staff to ensure service readiness and operational standards.
The event was attended by BNPP Secretary Makhruzi Rahman, North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus, Baznas Provincial Chair Lutvia Alwi, Manado Deputy Mayor Richard Sualang, regional heads from across North Sulawesi, and the Provincial Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
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