"We have readied three Caracal helicopters plus two Army helicopters and another two units from the Navy," Commander of the National Air Operations Command Vice Marshal Minggit Tribowo told the media at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday.
He explained that the TNI deems it necessary to deploy helicopters to ensure smooth aid distribution to areas rendered inaccessible by debris as well as those that are geographically remote and difficult to reach.
Elaborating on the operational strategy, Tribowo noted that the government has designated Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base as a hub for dispatching logistical aid to airports and air bases near flood-affected areas, with the helicopters tasked with delivering the supplies to victims.
The Air Force officer further stated that several of the helicopters have begun delivering logistics to flooded regions, including Sibolga City, North Sumatra.
"Yes, helicopters reached Sibolga on Thursday," he said, assuring the public that the military continues to carry out the aid relief mission.
He then expressed hope that the seven helicopters will experience no technical or mechanical issues, allowing for smooth, swift, and uninterrupted assistance distribution to residents in need.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya reported that today, the government mobilized four Air Force transport planes to deliver a range of urgently needed goods and items to the three disaster-struck provinces.
"We are sending about 150 tents, 64 inflatable boats for evacuation operations, power generators, and around 100 pieces of communication equipment to restore telecommunication there," he pointed out.
Moreover, he confirmed the delivery of ready-to-eat meals and medicines, as well as the deployment of medics.
"The aid will first reach Padang, West Sumatra, before being delivered to Silangit Airport in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, and also airports in Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe that are nearby affected areas," Wijaya explained.
He underscored that the delivery to the three locations will be carried out simultaneously.
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Translator: Walda M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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