Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Air Force deployed a Hercules C-130J transport aircraft to deliver 12.5 tons of rice to residents of Yahukimo, Highland Papua, on Friday amid a drought that has disrupted aid distribution.

An official Air Force statement received in Jakarta said the drought had reduced river levels in Papua, hampering the distribution of government aid through waterways.

“Air transport support is an alternative distribution option because the Timika-Dekai waterway has not operated optimally due to declining river flows,” the statement said.

After receiving the report, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono ordered his personnel to deploy a Hercules aircraft to transport rice provided by the Yahukimo district government.

The rice was transported from Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika to Nop Goliat Airport in Yahukimo, according to the statement.

Yohanis Kapiyau Air Base commander Colonel Taufik Andriadi, who was ordered to deploy the Hercules, said the operation aimed to ensure government food aid reached residents quickly and safely.

He said his unit would remain ready to distribute aid across Highland Papua if needed in the future.

“Air support is expected to help maintain food availability in Highland Papua, particularly Yahukimo, while waterways have yet to resume optimal operations,” he said.

Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2026

Published Date: September 4, 2026