The Government Continues to Send Logistical Aid via Helicopter to Residents Affected by the Sumatra Floods
Jakarta – The central government continues to distribute logistical aid to residents affected by flash floods in several areas of Sumatra, even though land access remains cut off in some areas. Aid is being delivered by air using helicopters to ensure the community’s basic needs are met.
In West Aceh, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has again sent aid to Sikundo Village, Pante Ceureumen District, which remains isolated following flash floods. The deliveries were made by helicopter due to severely damaged and impassable roads.
“Today is the third time the central government has sent aid to the Sikundo community by air,” said West Aceh Regent Tarmizi.
The aid distributed included basic food packages, food and beverage supplies, and a package of towels, totaling 338 kilograms. Airdrops were used because approximately five kilometers of road access was damaged by the flooding.
“This aid was distributed by air because road access to the Sikundo area is still cut off and repairs are still underway,” said Tarmizi.
Forty families belonging to the Sikundo Remote Indigenous Community (KAT) remain isolated. Conditions are considered dire, with village roads severely damaged and transformed into rivers.
The Acting Head of the West Aceh Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Teuku Ronal Nehdiansyah, stated that aid could only be distributed by air. He commended the BNPB for sending aid three times, ensuring that residents’ needs were met.
Meanwhile, the government is also prioritizing accelerating recovery in areas affected by floods and landslides in West Sumatra. Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian confirmed that the government has established a Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra.
“The task force involves various ministries and institutions to ensure that recovery is swift, coordinated, and on-target,” Tito said.
He said several areas such as Agam Regency, Tanah Datar, Padang Pariaman, and Pesisir Selatan still require special attention, especially regarding road access improvements and economic activity recovery.
“From an economic perspective, the good news is that almost all markets, restaurants, and stalls are operating,” Tito said.
The government emphasized that it will continue to expedite aid distribution, infrastructure restoration, and ensure that community activities in disaster-affected areas in Sumatra can gradually return to normal.
