Indonesian military airlifts aid to North Sumatra villages

  Indonesia’s military deployed helicopters on Saturday to speed up delivery of basic supplies to disaster-hit villages in North Sumatra, highlighting the armed forces’ central role in reaching isolated communities.

The Bukit Barisan regional command said a Bell helicopter landed safely in Lobu Singkam Village, Sipoholon Subdistrict, Tapanuli Utara District, after flying supplies from Silangit airport to bypass damaged roads.

The mission was carried out by the military’s disaster response task force, known as Gulbencal, as part of emergency operations following floods and landslides across northern Sumatra.

Spokesman Colonel Asrul Kurniawan Harahap said the airlift included rice, cooking oil, and instant noodles, chosen to meet urgent household needs while access by land remains limited.

Using helicopters ensured assistance arrived quickly and safely, he said, enabling troops to reach communities that remain difficult to access by road amid ongoing recovery efforts.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces, or TNI, aimed to ease residents’ burdens, restore daily life and provide security as families rebuild after the disaster.

The Bukit Barisan command said it would continue supporting disaster response across affected areas, using air and ground transport until access routes return to normal.

Meanwhile, during a visit on Dec. 31, 2025 to an evacuation center in South Tapanuli, President Prabowo Subianto reiterated the government's commitment, pledging that authorities would not abandon victims.

Prabowo said ministers had been instructed to deploy to disaster zones to monitor relief, and accelerate assistance as part of the state’s responsibility to citizens.

He urged communities to maintain health, resilience and solidarity, stressing mutual support, and collective action as essential to overcoming hardships caused by extreme weather.

The president also warned of Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural hazards, calling for environmental stewardship while reaffirming his resolve to mobilize all state resources for recovery.

Authorities reported significant progress in restoring access, saying no villages remain isolated in South Tapanuli, with transport links across North Sumatra showing marked improvement.

Military units coordinated with local authorities and volunteers to assess needs, distribute aid fairly, and prepare further sorties should weather conditions allow continued flights in coming days.