Sumatra Floods, Government Sends Communication Devices To Gensets

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno said the government sent hundreds of communication tools, rubber boats, and electricity generators to open access to flood disaster sites in Sumatra, especially those that were still isolated.

"Those are very necessary things so that these emergency response jobs are more efficient," said Pratikno at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base (Lanud), Jakarta, Friday, as reported by Antara.

Previously, the Government moved quickly to deal with disasters in the Sumatra region, including Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. A number of aid equipment was deployed to deliver the logistics needed by the victims.

According to the order of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, the TNI deployed three Hercules aircraft and one of the latest large-body transport aircraft, namely Airbus A400. This aircraft carries logistical needs for disaster victims in three affected provinces.

Pratikno said a team from the Ministry of Public Works was also moving to open access to several locations that were cut off due to landslides.

"So, we focus on the emergency response," he said.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the deployment of the four planes was Prabowo's direct instruction. The four of them had already departed with aid logistics at 07:30 WIB.

"Four planes have been dispatched on direct instructions from the President (Prabowo Subianto) last night to all ranks. Three Hercules aircraft, then one A400 aircraft, which earlier this month arrived in the country to fly to three provinces affected by the disaster," said Teddy.

The four planes will each land in Padang, West Sumatra; then to the nearest airport in Tapanuli, namely Silangit Airport, North Sumatra; and to airports in Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe, North Aceh.

Teddy emphasized that this assistance was not the first to be deployed. Since the first day of the disaster on November 25, Prabowo has instructed his staff to go directly to deal with disasters.

"A few days ago until today the aid continues to get there," said Teddy.

The assistance was transported both by TNI aircraft and civilian aircraft. The planes carried all the urgent needs needed by the disaster victims.

A number of important logistics that were sent immediately included 150 tents, 64 rubber boats, generator electric aids, and 100 signal devices for communication tools. "So that communication can be restarted," he said.

Foodstuffs are also prioritized. The Ministry of Health and the TNI also sent a medical team. The medical team consists of doctors, nurses, as well as medical assistance.

"The important thing is that all aid immediately flies to the location, to the deepest area," said Teddy.