Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Disaster Response Task Force of the Bukit Barisan District Military Command has airdropped assistance to disaster-affected residents in isolated areas of North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra.
Head of Information for the Bukit Barisan Command, Colonel Asrul Kurniawan Harahap said in a statement on Sunday that aid distribution operations will continue as land routes gradually reopen at several points.
“Airdrops are the most effective method when roads remain closed. We are ensuring that the Army Chief of Staff’s assistance reaches all affected locations,” Harahap said.
The airdrop mission used a Bell M-412 helicopter, as access by land was still blocked by landslides. The operation was carried out as a rapid response to urgent conditions faced by residents who need immediate assistance.
He said Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak is giving special attention to areas still cut off, emphasizing that meeting basic needs must continue without delays caused by terrain challenges or ongoing restoration work across the district.
The airdrop method was chosen for its speed and reliability in reaching affected locations. With many roads still closed, air delivery ensures that logistical support arrives promptly without waiting for full normalization of land access.
The assistance included essential supplies for residents who remain affected and isolated. The release mechanism was conducted with strict safety measures to ensure all packages landed securely and could be immediately retrieved by communities with limited access to necessities.
The military said aid distribution will continue alongside efforts to reopen access routes and address landslide points so that communities can overcome isolation and receive full support throughout the recovery period.
