Land Route Towards Sibolga Still Cut Off, TNI Sends Logistics Assistance Via Airdrop

Air photos from the flash flood that hit residential areas on Murai Street, Sibolga, North Sumatra (North Sumatra), Sunday, November 30. (ANTARA PHOTO-Muhammad Irsal)

JAKARTA - Head of the Information Center (Kapuspen) TNI Headquarters Major General (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah said the Indonesian Air Force had begun deploying transport aircraft to send logistics using the airdrop method in the Sibolga area, North Sumatra (North Sumatra), today.

"The airdrop operation uses the TNI AU, Hercules transport aircraft. Meanwhile, dropping using the helibox system using CN 295 and Casa 212 aircraft," Freddy said when contacted, Monday, was confiscated by Antara.

Freddy said the method was carried out by the TNI because until now the land route to Sibolga was still cut off due to landslides that occurred some time ago.

Logistics sent by the TNI include ready-to-eat food, medicines, emergency tents and clothes that are still suitable for use.

While sending logistics, Freddy said other TNI personnel would also continue to carry out the process of evacuating victims at the Sibolga flood site.

Not only in Sibolga. Freddy ensured that logistics delivery and deployment of troops would also continue to be carried out in two other flood areas, namely Aceh and West Sumatra.

"Logistical delivery is still ongoing today. All land, sea, and air routes remain optimized to ensure quick assistance reaches the community," he said.

For information, President Prabowo Subianto stated that a large ship is currently successfully docked on the Sibolga coast to distribute aid to refugees considering that the land route to the area was cut off due to flash floods and landslides.

After reviewing refugees in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Monday, President Prabowo also ensured that the Hercules Air Force transport aircraft carried back and forth every day carrying aid and a number of logistics needed by refugees from aid storage points to disaster-affected areas in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.

"I think the big ship can dock in Sibolga. Then, we continue to deploy Hercules, maybe every day several points can be landed," President Prabowo told reporters at the Pandan Sports Hall refugee post, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, Monday.