Indonesia trials air ambulance service for remote area healthcare

Bali (ANTARA) - Indonesia has initiated trials for a national air ambulance service using helicopters to speed up emergency medical evacuations across isolated and remote regions, government officials confirmed Monday following initial drills in Lampung.

The Government Communication Agency said in a statement that the pilot medical evacuation exercise took place in the Pesisir Barat Regency of Lampung province on Sumatra island.

President Prabowo Subianto stressed that rough terrain and poor transport infrastructure must no longer prevent citizens from accessing critical medical treatment.

"We will create air ambulances—helicopters and small aircraft capable of landing on grassy fields, sandy areas, or even riverbanks—so that no citizen is left unable to be evacuated when ill," President Prabowo said.

He noted that limited transport options in remote areas pose grave risks to expectant mothers who require immediate emergency obstetric care.

"Many mothers have passed away because they had to travel for seven to nine hours while in labor," Prabowo said. "Ultimately, many mothers die due to the lack of adequate roads."

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that the air evacuation system will complement 22 regional hospitals newly built across underserved regencies and municipalities in 2026.

"In emergencies, time is of the essence," Wijaya said. "God willing, the state will continue to be present, reaching even the most remote corners of the country—bridging distances, accelerating aid delivery and ultimately saving lives."

Translator: Maria Cicilia Galuh Prayudhia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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