Search and rescue team classification: BASARNAS of Indonesia

The network of international search and rescue teams, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), has had a classification system since 2005 known as the INSARAG External Classification (IEC). The purpose of IEC is to ensure that all the international urban search and rescue teams acquire the minimum operational standards set by INSARAG. The National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) of Indonesia is applying for IEC certification in November 2019 with support from Singapore. This paper reviews the IEC process for BASARNAS and critically evaluates the effectiveness of IEC as a tool for urban search and rescue capacity building. Through the preparation for IEC, the internationally deployed BASARNAS team successfully strengthened its search and rescue capabilities. The IEC process identified gaps in current levels of operation and INSARAG requirements. Having an IEC-classified team in Indonesia would lead to strengthening capability of domestic first responders.