Jakarta, Indonesia - The government has moved swiftly to respond to the disaster affecting parts of Sumatra, including Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. A range of relief equipment has been deployed to deliver essential logistics for affected communities.
Today, Friday (28/11), following the directive of President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) mobilized three Hercules aircraft and the newest large-body transport aircraft, the Airbus A400. These aircraft are carrying critical logistical supplies for victims in the three impacted provinces.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno stated that communication devices, rubber boats, and electric generators are vital logistics to reopen access to disaster-hit areas.
“These are urgently needed so that emergency response efforts can become more efficient,” Pratikno said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.
Pratikno added that teams from the Ministry of Public Works are also working to reopen access to several locations that were cut off due to landslides. “Our focus is on emergency response,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the deployment of the four aircraft was a direct instruction from President Prabowo. All four departed carrying relief supplies at 07:30 AM Western Indonesia Time.
“Four aircraft were dispatched under the direct order of the President last night to all relevant agencies. Three Hercules planes and one A400, which arrived in the country earlier this month, are now flying to the three disaster-affected provinces,” Teddy said.
The aircraft are scheduled to land in Padang, West Sumatra; Silangit Airport in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra; and the airports in Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe, North Aceh.
Teddy emphasized that this is not the first wave of aid. Since the very first day of the disaster on November 25, President Prabowo has instructed his team to respond immediately.
“In the past few days up until today, aid has continuously been sent,” Teddy noted.
Relief items have been delivered using both military and civilian aircraft, transporting all essential supplies urgently needed by the victims.
Among the key logistics dispatched are 150 tents, 64 rubber boats, electric generators, and 100 signaling devices for communication systems. “So communication can be restored,” he added.
Ready-to-eat food has also been prioritized. The Ministry of Health and the TNI have sent medical teams consisting of doctors, nurses, and essential medicines.
“What matters most is ensuring all aid reaches the locations quickly, all the way to the most remote areas,” Teddy said.
