After inspecting evacuees in Central Tapanuli on Monday, President Prabowo also confirmed that the Air Force’s Hercules transport aircraft are flying daily to deliver essential supplies from storage points to affected areas in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
“I believe large vessels can now dock in Sibolga. We are also deploying Hercules aircraft, possibly landing at several points each day,” he told journalists at the evacuation post set at GOR Pandan sports complex.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto, in a separate statement, said Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli remain priority areas as road access to both locations is still severed.
As a result, the two areas were temporarily isolated and accessible only by air and sea for several days after flash floods and landslides struck on Tuesday (November 25).
Nevertheless, President Prabowo stressed that the government is taking all measures to reopen access so the two regions no longer remain isolated.
At least 28 helicopters from the the Indonesian Military (TNI), Police, and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have been deployed to transport and distribute aid to disaster-hit regions in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
The Air Force has also mobilized Hercules C-130 and A400M aircraft, while the Navy deployed six warships to support evacuation and logistics distribution.
The vessels departed from Jakarta and Surabaya for Nias and Belawan from November 29 to December 1, 2025.
At Silangit Airport, Prabowo added that weather in Sumatra is expected to improve, allowing faster delivery of aid.
“We are grateful forecasts show better conditions, and the worst has passed,” he said.
Related news: Indonesia deploys massive food aid for Sumatra flood survivors
Related news: Prabowo orders full nationwide effort for Sumatra disaster response
Related news: Indonesia's BMKG issued Cyclone Senyar alerts 8 days before disaster
Translator: Genta, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
