TNI Emphasizes that the Helibox for Disaster Assistance is Not Empty, Viral Video is Considered Misleading

JAKARTA - The TNI denied information in a video circulating on social media that said the logistics box for disaster victims deployed from the plane with the helibox method was empty.

The commander of the 5th Transportation Supply Battalion, Letkol CBA Supriyanto, said that the logistics deployment using the helibox method had been carried out in accordance with the applicable procedures and was not possible in a state without cargo.

"Every helibox that is deployed has been inspected after being filled, inspected by members, and witnessed by officers. So it is impossible for an empty helibox to be deployed," said Supriyanto in a press release received in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, December 23.

The height of the helibox is about 73 centimeters, while the logistics load inside is in the range of 30 centimeters. This condition causes the formation of an empty cavity at the top of about 35 to 37 centimeters.

"At first glance it looks empty, even though the logistics are tied and imprinted on the inside of the helibox," he said.

Supriyanto added that the maximum weight limit of the helibox is five kilograms. If it is filled to the top, the weight can reach nine kilograms and is at risk of being damaged during the airdrop process.

"Therefore, the load is not filled to the top. This is what often causes misunderstanding in the community," he explained.

He hopes that the clarification can straighten out the wrong information and prevent public misunderstanding regarding the distribution of assistance by air.

"Hopefully this will give us all an understanding, so that there is no misinterpretation or misperception of reality," said Supriyanto.