Hercules TNI AU Helps Humanitarian Operations Turkish Earthquake, Indonesia The Only Country That Borrows Aircraft

Indonesian Air Force Hercules aircraft in Turkey. (Source: Indonesian Embassy Ankara)

JAKARTA - Turkey appreciates and thanks the Indonesian government, along with the assistance of aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force for post-earthquake humanitarian operations measuring 7.8 SR rocked the country last Monday.

The Hercules C-130 aircraft and its crew arrived in Turkey on February 12, transporting SAR equipment and first batch of humanitarian assistance from the Indonesian government.

Instead of immediately returning to the archipelago, the plane was extended to its assignment period and seconded to carry logistics from various regions in Turkey, to be taken to areas affected by the earthquake.

"The Indonesian Minister of Defense who gave orders for Hercules and the crew to be seconded to the Turkish side for disaster management. He understands that in a situation like this the problem of logistics supply is very critical, and he wants Indonesia to be able to help," said Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, in a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Tuesday, February 14.

"The Turkish side is very grateful. Indonesia is the only country that lends transport planes to the Turkish government," continued Ambassador Iqbal.

While in Turkey, the Indonesian Air Force aircraft will be based at the Estimesgut Turkish Military Air Base, Ankara.

"We have immediately coordinated with the Turkish Air Force Operation Center to determine the schedule, routes and missions of the aircraft. What is clear is that the entire crew is fully ready to carry out humanitarian missions for our brothers and sisters in Turkey," said Air Marshal Colonel Wisoko, Mission Commander of the aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Air Force Information Service in its statement wrote that the plane manned by Lt. Col. Pnb Yudi Bandung and dozens of crews had distributed 5.2 tons of logistical assistance. Logistics in the form of blankets, foodstuffs, and medicines were transported in two packages from Etismosgut AFB Angkara, to Kahramanmaras.

"The C-130 Hercules Air Force Air Force's Home base mission is currently at Etismsgut AFB Angkara. Yesterday, the mission to deliver medicines, food and blankets weighed 5.2 tons," explained the Wisoko Aviation Colonel.

It is known that the plane, which has a carrying capacity of 10 tons, is planned to be seconded to the Turkish side until February 20, 2023.