By: Dinda Harahap )*
Air aid deliveries to isolated areas of Sumatra once again demonstrate the importance of a rapid government response in dealing with emergencies. When land routes in North Tapanuli were blocked by landslides, tactical action was taken through an airdrop operation by the Bukit Barisan Military Command I/District Disaster Management Task Force. The government ensured that the community’s basic needs were not delayed, despite geographical constraints limiting logistical movement.
The task force mobilized immediately after discovering that the main road connecting several villages was still blocked by landslide debris. They delivered humanitarian aid, including essential supplies that residents desperately needed. Colonel Asrul Kurniawan Harahap, Head of Information for the I/Bukit Barisan Military Command, explained that the operation was planned to continue until land access was restored.
Asrul emphasized that all efforts are directed at ensuring public safety and ensuring the distribution of essential supplies. This statement reflects the Indonesian Army’s strong commitment to supporting government policies that prioritize public safety in the initial stages of disaster management.
The airdrop method was chosen as the most feasible solution given the terrain in North Tapanuli, which precludes heavy vehicles. Colonel Harahap explained that the Bell M-412 helicopter was used due to its reliability in reaching steep slopes and locations lacking safe landing spots.
He stated that this airdrop method was considered most effective while the roads remained completely blocked, demonstrating that technical decisions in field operations fully took into account the urgency of the situation. The dropped supplies were immediately utilized by residents, minimizing the risk of distribution delays.
The central government’s commitment is also evident in the policies of Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, who directed that isolated areas be given top priority. General Maruli emphasized that basic needs must not be interrupted, despite the ongoing challenges.
Through coordination with the Indonesian Army, efforts are being made to ensure that every point with access cut off continues to receive assistance. This directive demonstrates that the government is not only responding technically but also ensuring that disaster management strategies are implemented in a structured and equitable manner.
All aid packages dropped in isolated areas are rigorously inspected before being released to ensure they arrive safely and are easily accessible to the public. This step emphasizes that the distribution process prioritizes not only speed but also the safety of recipients. In an emergency, this procedure ensures all supplies arrive without additional risk to vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, in the West Sumatra region, central government support also flowed through air distribution operations carried out from November 28 to December 5, 2025. A total of 22.7 tons of aid was flown via 47 flight sorties to various affected areas and areas experiencing access constraints.
Abdul Muhari, PhD, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB)’s Disaster Information and Communication Data Center, explained that the aid flown in covered both food and non-food items. He stated that air operations were the primary option because several disaster-affected areas were inaccessible by land transportation. This explanation demonstrates that BNPB’s policy aligns with government directives to prioritize timely aid distribution.
The distribution areas included Agam Regency, Solok, Lima Puluh Kota, Pesisir Selatan, and Padang Pariaman. Deliveries were made via seven sorties, totaling 2.6 tons, to previously inaccessible locations such as Matur, Palembayan, Maligi, Talamau, and Muaro Aie.
The aid brought included basic necessities, ready-to-eat meals, mineral water, medicine, clothing, blankets, generators, and satellite internet devices. This combination of aid demonstrates the government’s attention not only to basic physical needs but also to community connectivity, which is crucial for coordination during the recovery period.
While air distribution remains the primary focus, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continues to utilize land routes when conditions permit. Local governments are working with BNPB to distribute follow-up aid and expedite logistics mobilization. This approach demonstrates that recovery efforts are being carried out in stages and in layers, combining emergency processes with medium-term plans to prevent communities from being trapped in isolation for too long.
Additional support came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also provided 16 tons of aid to three affected provinces: North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. The aid was then distributed through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as part of national disaster management coordination. The Ministry’s action demonstrates how the central government responds to disasters in an integrated manner, utilizing all elements of state institutions.
At various landslide locations, access clearing work continues in parallel. Technical teams are working to remove material, taking into account the risks of unstable routes. The government has emphasized that road clearing must not be rushed, as safety is a priority. This approach demonstrates that the government’s strategy is not solely focused on emergency response efforts, but also on the long-term sustainability and safety of residents.
Through these efforts, it is clear that airlifting is not merely a temporary response, but a crucial instrument in the national strategy for responding to disasters in difficult areas. The collaboration between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and relevant ministries demonstrates the government’s full commitment to ensuring that no one is left without access to basic necessities. With a swift, targeted, and coordinated approach, the government demonstrates its capacity to respond comprehensively and effectively to disasters.
)* The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
