All Out Helps Sumatra, TNI Deploys 33,860 Soldiers and 79 Alutsista

Illustration of the TNI (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The TNI stated that it was all out in the operation to overcome flood and landslide disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra by deploying 33,860 personnel from three branches. In addition, as many as 79 alutsista, including fixed wing aircraft, rotary wing, warships (KRI), to ADRI ships, have been optimally functioned for logistics distribution and troop mobilization.

Deputy Head of the Information Center (Wakapuspen) of the TNI, Brigadier General Osmar Silalahi, said that the TNI has so far helped distribute 2,230.5 tons of logistics assistance for flood victims using various modes of transportation, ranging from aircraft, sea vessels, land vehicles, speedboats, motorcycles, to direct efforts by soldiers in the field.

Today, he continued, two planes from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, East Jakarta were sent to Banda Aceh, followed by a Hercules plane flown to Suwondo Air Base, Medan. The TNI also brought additional equipment in addition to basic necessities, including forklifts, water treatment cars, and 24 TNI AD health workers.

"It has arrived in Aceh Tamiang with 24 people with a composition of six specialist doctors, then six nurses, four general practitioners, and eight soldiers and non-commissioned officers evacuated. Later, these health workers will become the Mobile Health Task Force in the Aceh Province," said Osmar at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Friday, December 12.

The Deputy Police Chief emphasized the TNI's commitment to ensuring that the distribution of assistance reaches difficult-to-access areas. Cassa aircraft and various types of helicopters continue to be used to supply the needs of the community in isolated areas.

"We try for every community affected by this disaster, we can supply or provide logistical support so that they feel that the state is present to help them to the maximum," said Osmar.

In the infrastructure sector, the TNI has accelerated the construction of emergency bridges to reopen the interrupted access. To date, there are 32 locations for the construction of bailey bridges, with one Anggoli bailey bridge has been completed 100%. Meanwhile, other bridge components are still in the process of delivery and construction.

In addition, as many as 14 Aramco bridges have been dispatched via the ADRI LIII ship from Tanjung Priok and are scheduled to arrive next Sunday.

To meet the need for clean water, the TNI also added two water purification (RO) cars, bringing the total to 12 units.

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This equipment is very needed considering the many affected areas that still lack sources of safe drinking water.

The TNI emphasized its commitment to continue to work together with various ministries and agencies to ensure that all disaster mitigation support runs optimally.