TNI AD Drops Massively In Sumatra: Evacuation, Open Access, Send Logistics Without Stopping

The victims affected by the flood in Sei Rampah, Sei Rampah District, Sergai took their two children using rafts to higher land, Sunday (30/11/2025). ANTARA/Darumawan

The Indonesian Army (AD) deployed 21,707 personnel to accelerate the handling of victims and post-disaster recovery in three provinces affected by natural disasters on the island of Sumatra.

"The Indonesian Army has again intensified humanitarian support for three areas affected by natural disasters on the island of Sumatra. As of Sunday, a total of 21,707 TNI AD personnel were deployed to help accelerate handling," said Head of Information and Information Agency Colonel Inf Donny Pramono in a written statement received in Jakarta, Sunday, November 30.

Donny said that the delivery of aid was carried out in a coordinated manner through the ranks of the Kodam and territorial units with a focus on meeting the urgent needs of the community.

The assistance sent includes logistics, evacuations, field kitchens, restoration of public facilities, to opening access to isolated areas.

"The assistance sent includes medicines, ready-to-eat food, evacuation tents, sanitation equipment, LCR, water clarity tools, blankets, to multipurpose tents and mining tools," he said.

He emphasized that the quick step was a manifestation of the presence of the Indonesian Army in easing the burden on the community in an emergency.

"The Indonesian Army continues to monitor developments. This assistance is an initial stage and will be added according to the needs in the field. Soldiers also help evacuate, open access, and ensure logistical distribution runs smoothly," said Donny.

In Aceh, Iskandar Muda Kodam personnel evacuated residents and opened lanes that were covered by landslide material. Meanwhile, Kodam XX/TIB in West Sumatra strengthened the command post and support for heavy equipment. In North Sumatra, the Indonesian Army focuses on restoring public facilities and sending logistics to isolated areas.

Subsequent aid deliveries were also made via Hercules planes and the KRI Ship. The assistance dispatched on Sunday included multipurpose tents, velbeds, generators, field stoves, portable water clarity equipment, vehicle spare parts, body bags, LCR and OBM, to medicines.

On Monday, December 1, the KRI ship will carry an osmosis reverse, excavator, Bailey bridge, and bulldozer. Tuesday, the ADRI ship is scheduled to carry vehicle tires, health backpacks, folding stretchers, baby equipment, toiletries, field kitchen utensils, and Maung vehicles.

In addition, the Army Chief of Staff also provided food aid worth Rp. 200 million for Aceh, Rp. 250 million for North Sumatra, and Rp. 200 million for West Sumatra.

To support air operations, the Indonesian Army deployed six defense equipment, namely three Bell 412 helicopters, two Mi-17 helicopters, and one CASA aircraft stationed under the BKO Kodam IM, Kodam I/BB, and BNPB.

The deployment of troops in three areas includes: Kodam IM (Aceh): 6,922 personnel, 36 trucks, 150 motorbikes, 9 fiber boats, 10 LCR, 2 helicopters.

Kodam I/BB (North Sumatra): 7,529 personnel, a number of heavy equipment, 30 motorcycles, 7 LCR, 4 helicopters and 1 CASA aircraft.

Kodam XX/TIB (West Sumatra): 5,731 personnel, 39 trucks, 7 ambulances, 6 boats/LCR, as well as support for Indonesian Air Force and Basarnas helicopters.

"All of these activities are part of military operations other than the war (OMSP) which is carried out in an integrated manner. Our priority is the safety of citizens and the acceleration of recovery," said Donny.

He ensured that the next batch of aid had been prepared and would be sent according to developments in the field.

"The TNI AD will continue to be present, work relentlessly, and provide the best for people who are facing difficult times," he said.