Disaster Management in Sumatra: 11 Helicopters Deployed to Isolated Areas

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The government continues to make efforts to evacuate victims of the flood and landslide disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, as well as to deliver logistical assistance to areas isolated due to these natural disasters. One of these efforts is demonstrated by the deployment of eleven helicopters to the disaster-affected regions.

"Everyone is focused on evacuation, opening roads, and pushing logistics to the deepest points," said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya when confirmed about President Prabowo Subianto's plan to visit the disaster site, Saturday (29/11/2025).

To address this, disaster management has been expedited by deploying eleven helicopters from Jakarta to the affected areas. "As of today, the government has sent a total of 11 TNI and Basarnas helicopters from Jakarta to the disaster-affected locations," said Cabinet Secretary Teddy in a written statement.

A total of nine helicopters have been at the location since November 26, 2025. The helicopters are simultaneously conducting aid distribution operations and monitoring. "Two additional helicopters have flown to Aceh from Jakarta this morning," he added.

All helicopters, he continued, are focused on continuous logistics distribution operations, especially towards isolated areas and regions where land access is cut off. All aerial operations are conducted with priority given to safety factors and weather conditions as the main considerations.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded several disrupted routes in North Sumatra. In South Tapanuli, the national route Sidempuan–Sibolga is cut off at one point, while the Sipirok–Medan route is interrupted at two points. In Mandailing Natal, several road sections such as Singkuang–Tabuyung and Bulu Soma–Sopotinjak are blocked due to flooding and landslides. Efforts to reopen access are being made by deploying heavy machinery.

This disaster has also disrupted the telecommunications network system, leading to delays in data collection, distribution, and the development of information in the field. The BNPB has brought in a solution in the form of providing Starlink internet network equipment, which is temporarily placed at evacuation sites and emergency response posts.

"Starlink has been distributed to local governments, both at evacuation points and in emergency response posts," added Suharyanto in a statement on Friday (28/11/2025) evening.

In Aceh, transportation routes are also paralyzed at several points. The national border route between North Sumatra and Aceh is cut off due to landslides. Damage to the bridge in Meureudu has halted connectivity between Banda Aceh, Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, Langsa, and Aceh Tamiang.

Several districts such as Gayo Lues, Central Aceh, and Bener Meriah are currently inaccessible by land routes due to total damage to national roads and bridges. Air routes have become the primary alternative, utilizing Gayo Lues Pioneer Airport and Rembele Bener Meriah Airport.

For emergency communication, Starlink devices have also been installed in Gayo Lues, Central Aceh, and Bener Meriah. Several other regions will also receive similar facilities.

In West Sumatra, five bridges were damaged in Padang Pariaman. Landslides occurred on the national route from Bukittinggi to Padang in the Padang Panjang area, as well as on the provincial route in Agam Regency. Approximately 200 vehicles were temporarily trapped due to the road being cut off in Ampek Koto District.

Members of the Disaster Mitigation Supervisory Team (Timwas Bencana) of the DPR, Maman Imanulhaq, urged BNPB, the central government, local governments, security forces, and all other elements of society to strengthen coordination in order to expedite the evacuation process for victims, search for missing individuals, open access roads and communication networks, as well as ensure adequate distribution of assistance.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the basic needs of refugees, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women, are met promptly. He also requested that the assessment of damage to homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure be conducted accurately as a basis for accelerating assistance and long-term rehabilitation.

Recurring disasters like this should serve as a stern warning that the management of Indonesia's natural resources is in a critical condition and requires serious attention and measured action from all stakeholders.

In addition, he reminded that the disasters in Sumatra should not be viewed solely as a result of natural phenomena. Ecosystem damage, the proliferation of extractive industries, massive development that disregards environmental carrying capacity, and the weak preparedness of local and central governments are factors that exacerbate the situation.

"Recurring disasters like this should serve as a strong warning that the management of Indonesia's natural resources is in a critical condition and requires serious attention and measured action from all stakeholders," said the Deputy Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction in the DPR.

In addition, it is also important for stakeholders, especially the government, to strengthen disaster mitigation.

Strengthening mitigation includes enhancing early warning systems, increasing the capacity of the Regional Disaster Management Agency, and conducting a comprehensive evaluation of permits for extractive businesses such as mining and large plantations that damage land cover.

Maman also emphasized the need for the revitalization of river basin areas, massive reforestation, the reorganization of space based on disaster risk mitigation, as well as an increase in budget allocation for disaster preparedness and recovery.

"The state must be present with bolder, more ecological, and more humanitarian policies to prevent similar disasters from recurring in the future. We must act swiftly, join hands, and learn from each disaster to avoid repeating the same wounds. The safety of the people must be the highest priority," he stated.