Jakarta, Nov. 11 -- Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is facing operational challenges as budget constraints have hampered the maintenance of its rescue fleet and equipment.

Basarnas head Mohammad Syafii told Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Tuesday that of 23 ships scheduled for dock maintenance this year, only 14 could be serviced and eight have been completed as of November.

He said that only five of 12 SAR aircraft and helicopters can operate alternately due to limited maintenance funds.

"This condition has made asset maintenance less optimal and may lower safety standards," he said.

Syafii noted that the government's budget-blocking policy for efficiency has posed major chall...