Two Dapurlap Units, 2,000 Meals a Day
The Brimob Dapurlap vehicles are not just trucks with stoves. They are equipped with compressed gas systems, clean water tanks, and modular cooking equipment that can operate on damaged roads or landslides. "We have deployed two Dapurlap units and one special distribution vehicle," said Commander of Sulteng Police Brimob, AKBP Andi Saputra, when met in front of the kitchen tent. Each unit produces up to 2,000 meals a day—enough for 800–1,000 people.Many displaced people do not have stoves, rice, or even clean water. Markets are closed. Electricity is out. Main roads are cut off. Brimob fills this gap: twice a day, each family receives hot rice, nutritious side dishes, and drinking water. "My children ate hot rice today for the first time. Since the earthquake, we only ate instant noodles," said Siti, a housewife whose house was flattened.
Residents Cook Together, Brimob Deliver to Tent Doors
This field kitchen thrives on mutual cooperation—not just orders from above. Village youths take turns washing vegetables, packing food boxes, and delivering them to elderly tents. Some volunteers bring food with trail motorcycles to isolated villages. "We are here to help, but without the hands of the locals, food would not reach the end of the village," said AKBP Andi.Next to the kitchen, Brimob medical teams are on duty. They check children's temperatures, give oralit, and detect early signs of diarrhea or respiratory infections. "If aid is delayed, malnutrition can appear within three days. This kitchen saves time," said Bu Rina, a village midwife monitoring the distribution. Data from Sigi BPBD records over 5,000 people displaced due to the 6.2 SR earthquake that damaged 1,247 houses.
Thin Fuel, Broken Roads, But Trail Motorcycles Enter
Logistics remain tight. Fuel stock for Dapurlap is limited. Two main routes to Lembah and Tanjung Putih villages are blocked by landslides. Brimob personnel must walk 4 kilometers or ride trail motorcycles through muddy footpaths to deliver food and medicine. "We have five special personnel on standby to deliver via alternative routes—they carry food, water, and basic supplies in their backpacks," explained AKBP Andi.Residents hope the kitchen will continue operating for at least two weeks—until the official emergency period ends. Because central aid has not yet been smooth: verification procedures, delivery delays due to bureaucracy, and uneven logistics allocation. "Brimob does not wait for a letter. They come, set up tents, light the stove—that proves the police are truly close to the people," said H. Amir, a local community leader.
Field Kitchen Is Not an Incident—It Is Standard Procedure
Success in Sigi is not accidental. Every regional Brimob unit must have a Dapurlap in its inventory. Such operations are already included in the disaster response SOP. "This is not a spontaneous initiative. It is regular training, simulations every three months, and mobilization tests within 90 minutes," said Brigjen Pol. Ahmad, Head of Public Information Bureau of the Police Public Relations Division.
However, reality still presents challenges. Some Dapurlap units in the region are already 12 years old—engines often overheat, water tanks leak, and gas systems need recalibration. "Sigi must be a momentum for national evaluation: renewal of Dapurlap is not an additional priority—but a basic operational need," emphasized Brigjen Ahmad. Amid ongoing aftershocks, the fire in the Brimob field kitchen continues to burn—warming stomachs, calming children, and reminding: humanity never waits for permission.