Indonesian military, police deploy over 48,000 personnel for post-disaster recovery in Sumatra

JAKARTA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian military and national police have deployed a total of 48,669 personnel to Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts after floods and landslides killed 1,140 people and caused extensive damage, senior officials said here on Monday.

Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto said 37,910 military personnel had been dispatched to assist post-disaster recovery, carrying out a wide range of humanitarian tasks, including the provision of clean water, medical evacuation, logistics distribution, and trauma recovery services for affected communities.

"The involvement of military personnel will help with the installation of Bailey bridges, the construction of temporary and permanent housing, and the cleanup of mud in schools, Islamic boarding schools, roads, and other public facilities," he said at a press conference on post-disaster recovery and strategic planning in Jakarta.

To support the humanitarian mission, 89 units of defense equipment, including aircraft, helicopters, and warships, have been deployed, he added.

Logistical assistance is being delivered through multiple channels, including airdrops, air landings, sea routes, and land transportation, according to Subiyanto.

Meanwhile, Indonesian National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said 10,759 police personnel had been sent to disaster-hit areas on Sumatra Island to assist reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

He said 5,668 police personnel were deployed in Aceh province, 3,017 in North Sumatra province, and 2,074 in West Sumatra province.■