Indonesia launches air ambulance trials for remote medical evacuations

The Indonesian government has begun implementing an air ambulance program to improve healthcare access for residents in remote and geographically isolated regions. A medical evacuation trial using helicopters was recently conducted in Pesisir Barat Regency, Lampung.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that the initiative aims to utilize helicopters and small aircraft capable of landing on grass, sand, or riverbanks to ensure no citizen is left without evacuation options during medical emergencies. The President highlighted the critical need for this service, noting that long travel times—sometimes between seven to nine hours—have contributed to maternal mortality in areas with poor road infrastructure.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya noted that the program follows the completion of 22 new hospitals in 2026 across various regencies and cities. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between isolated communities and medical facilities, prioritizing rapid response in emergency situations to save lives.