Air Force distributes 729 tons of disaster aid for NTT quake victims

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has mobilized continuous relief operations, airlifting a total of 729 tons of logistical aid to assist victims of the major earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

According to an official press release issued by the TNI AU in Jakarta on Monday, the cumulative aid figure was reached through 15 consecutive days of flight operations ending Saturday (August 29).

Head of the TNI AU Information Service, Air First Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana, stated that the bulk of the humanitarian assistance was funneled through Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, which serves as a central collection and departure post for NTT disaster relief.

The logistical aid was dispatched using various types of transport aircraft from the TNI AU fleet, ranging from the C-130 Hercules to the largest transport asset, the A400M, Nyoman said.

Commander of Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Commander Air First Marshal Ali Gusman, confirmed that supply runs from the air base remain ongoing to ensure continuous humanitarian assistance.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts in the impacted regions until conditions stabilize.

“We want the people of NTT to know that they are not alone. The Indonesian Air Force will continue to support aid distribution as long as it is needed,” Ali stated.

The relief operation follows a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on August 15. Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) shows the disaster left 111 people dead and injured more than 1,600 others.

The tremor also displaced 188,000 residents while damaging over 95,000 homes and public facilities spread across seven affected districts.

Seismologists have recorded over 9,700 aftershocks following the main event, with the strongest measuring magnitude 6.2.