President Prabowo Orders Rapid Response: Aid Sent Again to East Nusa Tenggara and Kalimantan

The Government has once again moved swiftly to deliver assistance to disaster-affected areas. On Monday (8/24) at 4:30 a.m. local time, six Indonesian Air Force aircraft were deployed to transport logistical supplies to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Kalimantan.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a written statement that three aircraft were dispatched to NTT, destined for Labuan Bajo and Maumere. The aircraft carried a total of 31 tons of ready-to-eat food supplies to meet the needs of communities affected by the disaster.

“Three aircraft were dispatched to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), destined for Labuan Bajo and Maumere, carrying 31 tons of ready-to-eat supplies, including biscuits, wafers, protein bars, bread, other food necessities, as well as toys for children,” Teddy said.

At the same time, three other Air Force aircraft were deployed to Kalimantan, destined for Pontianak, Palangka Raya, and Banjarmasin. The aircraft transported 500 water pumps to strengthen efforts for land and forest fire response, particularly in peatland areas.

“Meanwhile, three aircraft were deployed to Kalimantan, respectively to Pontianak, Palangka Raya, and Banjarmasin, carrying 500 water pumps. These are part of 2,000 pumps that will be delivered in stages, in accordance with the President’s instructions and requests from governors across Kalimantan,” Teddy said.

Each water pump is equipped with one-kilometer hose or piping. The equipment is expected to help crews reach water sources and strengthen firefighting efforts, particularly in peatland areas that require intensive intervention.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy affirmed that President Prabowo had instructed all disaster-response operations to be carried out swiftly and in an integrated manner. The Head of State also called for all relevant agencies to ensure that government assistance reaches and is received by the communities in need.

“The President’s directive is very clear: the response must be swift and integrated, and every relevant party involved must ensure that logistical assistance reaches and is received by the people in need,” Teddy said.

The aid delivery demonstrates the Government’s commitment to remaining present for communities facing disaster situations. Logistical supplies and equipment will continue to be delivered based on needs identified on the ground.

“The Government ensures that the affected communities do not have to face this situation alone. We are here with them and standing alongside them,” Teddy concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/LW)