A Hercules aircraft, laden with crucial disaster relief supplies, touched down at Minangkabau International Airport on Friday, November 28. This swift deployment followed President Prabowo Subianto’s direct orders to dispatch comprehensive aid immediately from the onset of the disaster.
The humanitarian assistance was transported by Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Hercules aircraft, part of a larger four-plane fleet dispatched from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base. Of these, two aircraft were directed to Aceh, one to West Sumatra, and another to North Sumatra, ensuring widespread reach to affected regions.
The arrival of these vital supplies was met at the airport by West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy, alongside the Principal Secretary of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Dr. Rustian.
Dr. Rustian, the BNPB Principal Secretary, affirmed that all aid dispatched by the central government had landed completely, precisely as instructed by the President. He emphasized that the aid manifest was meticulously cross-referenced upon arrival, and the distribution process would commence without any delay.
“There will be no aid stagnating in provincial or district/city warehouses. The assistance arriving today will be immediately distributed,” Rustian stated on Friday. He further added, “Moreover, additional shipments are already scheduled for the upcoming days to ensure sustained support.”
Rustian elaborated that the supplies received today represent only the initial phase of the comprehensive relief effort. Beyond essential logistical items, the government has also deployed vital emergency communication devices. These are crucial for restoring information networks in regions where telecommunication infrastructure has been severely damaged, ensuring connectivity for those affected.
“These devices are instrumental in re-establishing signals in disconnected areas, ensuring that emergency communication can be swiftly operationalized,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari, who was also present, underscored the importance of his presence to guarantee the accuracy, completeness, and rapid delivery of the aid dispatched by the central government.
“We received the aid manifest from BNPB, which we then meticulously cross-referenced with our records. Alhamdulillah, everything is complete as per the President’s instructions,” Qodari remarked. He further stressed that the speed of distribution is paramount to the effectiveness of on-the-ground disaster response efforts.
Looking ahead, Qodari, accompanied by representatives from BNPB and local governments, is scheduled to visit severely damaged areas tomorrow, including Padang Pariaman. The findings from this inspection will be promptly relayed to the President to expedite further necessary actions.
Rustian also provided an update on the weather, noting that conditions in West Sumatra had significantly improved during the aid landing. The heavy rainfall that had persisted for several days had finally subsided, thanks to ongoing weather modification operations conducted across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
“These efforts successfully diverted rainfall towards the sea, in line with established standards,” he explained. “However, ultimately, everything rests with the Almighty, while humanity continues to strive and do its utmost.”
The government unequivocally assured that the dispatch of aid would be continuous. It emphasized that all key stakeholders—including the central government, local administrations, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), BNPB, and relevant partners—are working in seamless collaboration to ensure the emergency response is both swift and precisely targeted to those in need.
Summary
A Hercules aircraft carrying crucial disaster relief supplies landed at Minangkabau International Airport on Friday, November 28, following President Prabowo Subianto’s direct orders. This aircraft was part of a four-plane fleet dispatched from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base to various affected regions. West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy and BNPB Principal Secretary Dr. Rustian received the vital aid, which included essential logistical items and emergency communication devices.
Dr. Rustian confirmed all central government aid had arrived completely and would be immediately distributed without stagnation, with additional shipments scheduled. Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari emphasized the importance of rapid aid delivery and affirmed the completeness of the supplies. He is also scheduled to visit damaged areas to expedite further actions, while weather modification operations have improved conditions in West Sumatra. The government assured continuous aid dispatch and seamless collaboration among all stakeholders for a swift and targeted emergency response.