TNI and Police Deploy Land, Sea, and Air Forces to Accelerate Disaster Response in Sumatra
Coordinating Minister Pratikno Delivers Press Statement at the National Disaster Management Post in Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/03). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
The government continues to intensify disaster response efforts through integrated TNI–Polri operations by opening access to affected regions, accelerating aid distribution, and ensuring the safety and security of personnel in the field. These efforts include strengthening logistics routes by land, sea, and air, enforcing the law on findings in the field, and utilizing technology and equipment from all TNI branches to accelerate recovery in affected areas.
In a press statement at the National Disaster Management Post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Wednesday (12/03), National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo explained that access for aid distribution is now increasingly open through land, sea, and air routes. Additionally, the Police Chief stated that as the widest affected region, six areas in Aceh are now accessible by sea, while eight other districts can now be reached by land.
“Currently, access by sea is available in six regions: Lhokseumawe, Bireun, North Aceh, East Aceh, Langsa, and Aceh Tamiang. Eight regions are accessible by truck via land routes: Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Aceh Jaya, West Aceh, Nagan Raya, South Aceh, Aceh Singkil, and Subulussalam. Then, currently accessible by air are four regions: Southeast Aceh, Takengon, Gayo Lues, and Bener Meriah. In principle, for the initial phase, logistics aid can now be distributed down to the sub-district level,” said the Police Chief.
Regarding the discovery of logs at disaster sites, the Police Chief ensured that legal enforcement will be carried out. He also emphasized that no residents have been detained over looting issues, as they are merely in need of logistics.
“Regarding law enforcement on the findings of stripped logs, we have directly coordinated with the Minister of Forestry, and tomorrow we will hold a joint meeting to deploy a combined team to investigate the incident. Of course, if legal violations are found, we will proceed with due process,” stated the Police Chief.
On the same occasion, Commander of the TNI General Agus Subiyanto emphasized that the TNI is optimizing air aid drops to areas inaccessible by land. He also added that the safety of troops is a priority after several personnel lost their lives during humanitarian operations.
“So, the goods are dropped from aircraft in box form with propellers so that when they hit the ground, they don’t break. We also use parachutes, drops are made via Hercules C-130. This has been carried out in Aceh Tamiang, and today we will also implement the CDS (Carry Delivery System) drop using CN and Hercules aircraft,” explained the TNI Commander.
Furthermore, Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak stated that aid drops using helicopters are being refined to avoid damage. Maruli also explained the distribution of Starlink devices to support emergency communication.
“Helicopters can’t land just anywhere, so the landing site must be ready. Because the aid needs to be delivered, we tried to throw it from the air. After some of them broke, we evaluated, and now we’re ensuring it doesn’t happen again. Regarding Starlink, the equipment is from our Ministry of Defense, and we’re still figuring out who will pay for the service, but our spirit to help remains. We’ve sent dozens of Starlink units to disaster areas,” said KSAD Maruli.
KSAD Maruli also mentioned that TNI personnel are now entering previously inaccessible zones to maintain order and ensure that aid is delivered. Additionally, eight sets of bailey bridges are being prepared to be delivered by Friday at the latest to restore connectivity between critical areas.
Meanwhile, Naval Chief of Staff (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali explained that the Navy has deployed seven warships (KRI), including two hospital ships that will be on standby in Aceh. Naval air assets are also strengthened with five helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft for air dropping.
“Perhaps we will add one more KRI, the tanker KRI Bontang to support fuel supplies since many areas need diesel for generators. As for the air assets onboard, there are five helicopters and one fixed wing, and we will add one more fixed wing, two Casa planes for air dropping,” said KSAL.
Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono added that they continue conducting weather modification operations (OMC) in coordination with BMKG and BNPB to support accelerated recovery.
“BMKG and BNPB are the leading sectors here. I just want to convey that five caravan aircraft have been prepared by BNPB to conduct OMC operations daily. Thank God, rainfall has begun to lessen, and we will continue the operation in the future,” said KSAU Tonny. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (AS/LW)
