Medan, N Sumatra, Jan. 4 -- Indonesia's military deployed helicopters on Saturday to speed up delivery of basic supplies to disaster-hit villages in North Sumatra, highlighting the armed forces' central role in reaching isolated communities.

The Bukit Barisan regional command said a Bell helicopter landed safely in Lobu Singkam Village, Sipoholon Subdistrict, Tapanuli Utara District, after flying supplies from Silangit airport to bypass damaged roads.

The mission was carried out by the military's disaster response task force, known as Gulbencal, as part of emergency operations following floods and landslides across northern Sumatra.

Spokesman Colonel Asrul Kurniawan Harahap said the airlift included rice, cooking oil, and instant noodl...