Bener Meriah, Aceh. Pertamina has deployed helicopter sling-load delivery for the first time to accelerate LPG distribution to Bener Meriah, a district cut off by severe floods and landslides that blocked road access.

A total of 72 cylinders of Bright Gas (12 kg) were flown using a secured sling system, supported by plastic pallets and enclosed with a safety net. The operation followed strict aviation and safety procedures, including flight altitude limits, sling length, and the positioning and stacking of LPG cylinders to ensure the aid reached communities quickly without compromising safety.

Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri, accompanied by Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director Mars Ega Legowo Putra, directly observed the first sling-load shipment departing from Malikussaleh Airport in Lhokseumawe.

Simon expressed appreciation to the Indonesian military (TNI), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and the police for assisting in energy distribution as part of ongoing humanitarian efforts.

“We have delivered humanitarian aid to 164 posts and supported energy needs at 111 public kitchens. We are also supplying fuel for aviation and heavy equipment to restore damaged road access, enabling logistics and essential supplies to be delivered smoothly,” he said.

“In Lhokseumawe, we witnessed Pertamina Patra Niaga delivering energy to our brothers and sisters in Bener Meriah as fast and as safely as possible, even if it means flying LPG with helicopter sling-loads,” Simon added.

Pertamina Patra Niaga President Director Mars Ega said the initiative was made possible through coordination with BNPB, the military, and the police.

“In the field, we do not work alone. Accelerating LPG distribution to Bener Meriah is the result of strong collaboration, ensuring that affected communities benefit quickly,” he stated.

The delivery was carried out using a Sikorsky S-61A helicopter departing from Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Banda Aceh. After a one-hour flight to Malikussaleh Airport, the aircraft immediately picked up the LPG cargo without landing, expediting its journey to Rembele Airport in Bener Meriah. The mission was repeated three consecutive times.

The LPG shipments are being used to supply public kitchens, refugee shelters, and households in disaster-affected areas.

“Each cylinder is placed upright with the valve facing upward on a pallet secured with a cargo net to remain stable during lifting and landing,” said Roberth Dumatubun, Corporate Secretary of Pertamina Patra Niaga.

Pertamina has been distributing fuel and LPG by air since December 3, but this marks the company’s first-ever deployment of helicopter sling-load delivery.

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