Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto visited evacuees and areas affected by flash floods and landslides in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, highlighting several issues including fuel availability and the disruption of land routes in several areas.
“Although many routes are disrupted, we are moving quickly to resolve the difficulties. The current issue is fuel supply. I believe large ships can dock at Sibolga, followed by deployment of Hercules aircraft,” he remarked during his visit on Monday.
He informed that Hercules aircraft belonging to the Air Force are conducting daily aid drops for evacuees across multiple locations in North Sumatra, particularly in regions isolated by blocked land routes and accessible solely by air.
On the same occasion, the head of state also lauded all agencies involved in ongoing disaster-mitigation efforts.
“I thank all agencies, the military, the National Police, the Ministry of Public Works (PU), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and the regional governments for their excellent work. We are facing this disaster with fortitude and solidarity,” Prabowo emphasized.
He also urged regional governments to remain prepared for climate change to anticipate future conditions.
“The government must truly protect the environment and anticipate future conditions. Perhaps all regions must be prepared to face the impacts of climate change,” he reminded.
President Prabowo departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday, accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, and headed to several disaster-affected locations in North Sumatra and Aceh.
In North Sumatra, the presidential aircraft PK-GRD landed at Raja Sisingamangaraja XII Airport/Silangit Airport in North Tapanuli, then continued by air to Central Tapanuli aboard the presidential Super Puma helicopter.
From the evacuation post in Central Tapanuli, the President returned to Silangit Airport and continued to Kualanamu International Airport in Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra. He is also scheduled to continue his visit to Alas Leuser Airport in Kutacane, Southeast Aceh District, Aceh.
