Indonesian Air Force Airlifts 20 Tons of Aid to Flood-Hit Aceh

Jakarta: The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has deployed a Hercules C-130 aircraft to deliver nearly 20 tons of emergency aid to flood-hit areas in Aceh, with airlift operations carried out in multiple stages.

Air Force spokesperson First Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana said the first airlift took place on Sunday, November 30, transporting 11.5 tons of logistics from Sultan Iskandari Muda Air Base to Malikussaleh Airport in Lhokseumawe.

“The supplies included food items, a box of blood for medical needs, and aviation fuel (avtur) to support continued flight operations and speed up aid distribution,” he said on Wednesday.

A second flight on Monday, December 1, transported an additional 8.5 tons of relief goods, including Basarnas body bags, food packages, baby and maternal kits, prayer garments, blankets, folding mattresses, clothing, medicines, vitamins, and eight boxes of tents.

“With these two missions, a total of 20,074 kilograms—roughly 20 tons—of humanitarian aid has been delivered to affected communities in Aceh,” Nyoman noted.

He added that airlift operations will continue as flood conditions persist, with the Air Force’s elite Kopasgat rapid-response unit also deployed to assist with evacuations on the ground.

The Air Force emphasized its commitment to maintaining an agile response during the humanitarian operation and ensuring aid reaches isolated and severely affected areas.