The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is actively evaluating and enhancing its disaster relief operations, particularly the delivery of aid to flood and landslide-affected regions across Sumatra. In a significant strategic shift, the TNI has now implemented a sophisticated helibox system for air-dropping vital logistical supplies to residents grappling with the devastating aftermath of floods and landslides on the island.
According to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, this innovative system involves packaging aid items in specially designed boxes equipped with propellers. This ingenious feature ensures that the packages can land safely and securely without sustaining damage upon impact, even in challenging terrain. The helibox method is specifically deployed to reach areas where helicopter or aircraft landings are impossible, thereby expanding the reach of critical humanitarian assistance.
Beyond the helibox system, the TNI is also utilizing an airdrop method involving parachutes deployed from Hercules transport aircraft. This established aerial delivery technique has been successfully carried out in Aceh Tamiang Regency since yesterday. The aircraft precisely releases logistics packages from a measured altitude, ensuring the aid lands in designated safe zones that are easily accessible to the affected communities.
These strategic implementations of the helibox and airdrop methods stem from a comprehensive evaluation of previous aerial aid deliveries. This re-assessment was prompted by a concerning incident in Manalu Purba Village, North Tapanuli, where flood victims witnessed rice bags dropped from a helicopter rupture, scattering their contents across the ground, as widely circulated videos showed.
General Agus Subiyanto elaborated on these developments during a press conference held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base (Lanud Halim) in East Jakarta on Wednesday, December 3rd. Lanud Halim serves as the integrated TNI Natural Disaster Management Post for the regions of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, underscoring its pivotal role in coordinated relief efforts.
He explained that the aforementioned incident occurred because the helicopter was unable to land at the site due to overhead cables obstructing the landing area. Consequently, the pilot on duty made the decisive call to proceed with the aerial drop, prioritizing the immediate delivery of aid.
“When the helicopter attempted to land yesterday, there were cables present, leading the pilot to decide that the goods should still be dropped, even if some rice might scatter,” General Agus stated. “Rather than returning the aid to the air base, it was better to drop it so the community could benefit.”
Emphasizing the core principles of every humanitarian operation, General Agus underscored that the TNI’s paramount priorities remain the safety of its personnel and the security of its military equipment (alutsista). He acknowledged that unstable conditions in the field inherently increase the safety risks faced by soldiers during these critical missions.
Tragically, General Agus also recounted an incident in Padang where two military police officers and a Babinsa (village supervisory non-commissioned officer) were swept away by strong currents while assisting in disaster relief efforts. All three were discovered deceased several days later, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by personnel.
“I stress that in handling aid, it is crucial to maintain the safety of personnel and military equipment,” he reiterated, underscoring the importance of caution.
Helicopters Adapt to Conditions
A similar perspective was shared by the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), General Maruli Simanjuntak, who further emphasized that the decision to air-drop logistical aid was necessitated by the lack of a safe landing point for helicopters at the affected location.
“Helicopters simply cannot land anywhere; the landing area must be prepared. Given the urgent need to deliver aid, we opted to drop it,” General Maruli explained at the same forum, reinforcing the challenging operational realities.
General Maruli candidly acknowledged the initial incident where rice bags broke upon impact during aerial delivery. He confirmed that the TNI promptly evaluated this occurrence, implementing immediate improvements to the delivery methods to prevent any recurrence of such issues.
“After the incident with the broken bags, we immediately re-evaluated. As of now, it has not happened again,” he affirmed, indicating successful corrective measures.
Earlier, a video circulated showing flood victims in Manalu Purba Village, North Tapanuli, salvaging scattered rice from the ground. This rice was part of the aid for flood victims, dropped from a helicopter on Monday, December 1st, illustrating the challenges faced in initial delivery attempts.
The circulating video clearly depicted numerous rice bags ruptured, with their contents spilled. One resident featured in the footage expressed despair, noting that none of the air-dropped aid was salvageable for consumption due to severe packaging damage sustained upon landing.
The affected residents earnestly hope that the mechanisms for aid distribution will be continually refined, ensuring that assistance is received in a proper and dignified manner, truly benefiting those who are enduring the hardships of disaster.
Summary
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is actively evaluating and enhancing its disaster relief operations, particularly aid delivery in Sumatra, following an incident where air-dropped rice bags ruptured. This prompted the implementation of new systems, including the “helibox system” using propeller-equipped boxes for safe landings where helicopters cannot, and refined airdrop methods with parachutes from Hercules aircraft. These methods aim to improve the delivery of vital supplies to flood and landslide victims.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto clarified that the previous incident occurred because a helicopter could not land due to overhead cables, leading the pilot to prioritize immediate aid delivery. Both General Agus and Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak emphasized the critical importance of personnel safety and military equipment security during these challenging missions. They affirmed that the TNI has promptly evaluated and successfully improved its aerial delivery techniques to ensure aid reaches communities effectively.
