Sulawesi quake: Singapore Armed Forces deliver humanitarian supplies to Indonesia

Singapore Armed Forces Mission Commander Oh Chun Keong (right) handing over the relief package to Lt-Col Ali Sudibyo, of the Indonesian Armed Forces at Balikpapan Airport, Indonesia. PHOTO: MINDEF
One of the Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 transport aircraft that delivered humanitarian supplies to Indonesia at Balikpapan Airport. PHOTO: MINDEF

SINGAPORE - Humanitarian supplies were delivered by two Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 transport aircraft to Indonesia on Tuesday (Oct 2) as part of efforts to support Indonesia's disaster relief efforts following last Friday's (Sept 28) earthquake and tsunami, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a press release early on Wednesday morning.

The relief package, comprising tents, meal rations, bottled water and medical supplies, was handed over to Lieutenant-Colonel Ali Sudibyo of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Mission Commander Oh Chun Keong.

The package, worth approximately $240,000, was donated by the SAF, added the Mindef statement.

Following the delivery of the relief package, the two RSAF C-130 aircraft will remain in Indonesia to support the Indonesian government to evacuate those displaced from disaster-hit areas.

"As a close neighbour and friend of Indonesia and the TNI, Mindef and the SAF stand ready to assist Indonesia and the TNI in further disaster relief efforts, if required," the statement said.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night that both C-130 aircraft will remain in Sulawesi to transport survivors to other cities of Indonesia, as requested by the Indonesian military.

"If needed, the SAF will do more to help our brothers and sisters in Indonesia through this natural disaster," Dr Ng said.

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