TNI Deploys A400 and Hercules Fleet to Deliver Emergency Aid Across Sumatra

Jakarta: The government is moving quickly to address the disaster in the Sumatra region, including Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Numerous relief equipment has been deployed to deliver essential supplies to the victims.

November 28, 2025, as ordered by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) deployed three Hercules aircraft and one of the newest wide-body transport aircraft, an Airbus A400. These aircraft are transporting essential supplies to disaster victims in the three affected provinces.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno stated that communication equipment, rubber boats, and electric generators are essential supplies for opening access to disaster sites.

"These are essential items to ensure the efficiency of the emergency response," Pratikno said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.

Pratikno stated that a team from the Ministry of Public Works is also working to open access to several locations that were disrupted by landslides. "So, we are focusing on the emergency response," he said.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the deployment of the four aircraft was on Prabowo's direct instructions. The four aircraft, carrying the supplies, departed at 7:30 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

"Four aircraft were dispatched on the direct instructions of the President (Prabowo Subianto) last night to all ranks. Three Hercules aircraft, and one A400 aircraft, which arrived in Indonesia earlier this month, will fly to the three provinces affected by the disaster," Teddy said.

The four aircraft will land in Padang, West Sumatra; then to the nearest airport in Tapanuli, Silangit Airport, North Sumatra; and to airports in Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe, North Aceh.

Teddy emphasized that this is not the first time aid has been deployed. Since the first day of the disaster on November 25, Prabowo has instructed his staff to directly respond to the disaster.

"From the past few days until today, aid has been on its way there," Teddy said.

The aid is being transported using both Indonesian military and civilian aircraft. The planes transported all the urgent supplies needed for the disaster victims.

A number of essential supplies were immediately sent, including 150 tents, 64 rubber boats, generators, and 100 signal devices for communication. "So that communication can be resumed," he said.

Ready-to-eat food supplies were also prioritized. The Ministry of Health and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) also sent a medical team, consisting of doctors and nurses, along with medical supplies.

"The important thing is that all aid is immediately sent to the location, even to the deepest areas," said Teddy.