Revolutionizing Remote Logistics: Cargo Drones for 3T and Disaster-Prone Regions in Indonesia

Abstract

The increasing relevance of unmanned aircraft technology, or "drones," has opened new avenues for enhancing logistics in hard-to-reach areas. This study addresses the main problem of limited transportation infrastructure in Indonesia's 3T (remote, outermost, and disadvantaged) regions and disaster-affected zones, which hampers the timely delivery of essential goods and services. To explore solutions, the study employs simulation-based methods to evaluate the feasibility of cargo drone deployment by analyzing six critical parameters: logistics demand, drone type, routing, infrastructure readiness, regulatory environment, and implementation timeline. Results of the simulations demonstrate strong potential for drone-based logistics, particularly for the delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals across islands. While operational constraints remain especially related to altitude performance in mountainous terrain, the viability of cargo drones in disaster response has been confirmed through multiple real-world cases. Furthermore, analysis suggests that a multimodal drone logistics network can be effectively supported by fewer than seven major drone hubs nationwide within the next five years. In conclusion, the study affirms that cargo drones offer a promising and scalable solution for enhancing logistics in underserved and crisis-affected regions of Indonesia, paving the way for future development of an integrated, drone-enabled transportation system.