Operation RENAISSANCE 2018 – Indonesia

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) supported disaster relief efforts in Indonesia. This mission was part of Canada’s overall response to the devastating earthquakes and tsunami that struck Sulawesi, Indonesia on September 29, 2018.

How many people were deployed?

From October 8 to 25, 2018, a CC-130 Hercules and approximately 20 aircrew and ground support personnel were deployed to Indonesia.

What were they doing?

The CC-130J Hercules transported humanitarian supplies, including shelter kits, from Canada. These supplies were donated by Global Affairs Canada. The Hercules stayed in the region to work with Canadian and international partners to provide humanitarian assistance until October 25, 2018. This RCAF aircraft provided tactical airlift, meaning it flew humanitarian supplies within Indonesia to affected areas.

Throughout the deployment, the CC-130 Hercules:

• flew for a total of 77 hours;
• transported 55 people; and
• transported 121,867 kilograms of supplies.

The Canadian Armed Forces concluded humanitarian assistance in Palu, Indonesia on October 25, 2018.

History and context of the operation

In the wake of the earthquake in Indonesia, the Indonesian government requested international humanitarian assistance. This 7.5 magnitude earthquake caused approximately 1,500 fatalities. It resulted in over 59,000 people being housed in evacuation camps.

The Government of Canada offered to assist with relief efforts. As part of that, the CAF contributed to international relief efforts.