Government Moves on the Front Line, Accelerating Evacuation and Recovery in Sumatra

JAKARTA – The government is working directly on the ground to address the floods and landslides that hit Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, ensuring swift and strategic action in evacuation, aid distribution, and infrastructure recovery.

Collaboration between the central and regional governments is key to effective disaster management, from emergency response to rehabilitation and reconstruction preparations.

President Prabowo Subianto is directly leading the disaster management process.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian stated that President Prabowo is directly leading the flood management.

“The President gave the direct order, the command is from him,” he said.

Tito explained that all forces have been deployed to evacuate victims and distribute logistical aid, including to areas that remain isolated.

The central government is also preparing damage assessments in three provinces and will assist with infrastructure repairs if affected areas are unable to do so themselves.

“The first step is to evacuate victims. Evacuation is ongoing, as some are still buried. We are also assisting affected victims, including those whose homes are flooded, those in evacuation centers, and others,” said Tito.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized that his ministry is focused on opening access roads affected by the disaster.

Several points in Aceh and North Sumatra are now passable to small vehicles, although access for heavy trucks remains limited.

Dody added that emergency measures are being implemented by utilizing temporary emergency routes, such as stacking coconut tree trunks to allow cars and motorcycles to pass.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf explained that the government has established 30 public kitchens serving approximately 80,000 meals daily to affected residents.

The public kitchens are run by more than 500 Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), who are also assisting with evacuations.

“We have also established several public kitchens in approximately 30 locations, both established in collaboration with local governments and independently by the community,” said Gus Ipul.

The government is preparing temporary and permanent housing for victims, as well as providing Rp 15 million in death benefits and Rp 5 million in injuries.

“This is a form of compassion to ease the burden and strengthen our togetherness amidst the disaster,” he said.

The speed of response, cross-agency coordination, and logistical readiness demonstrate the government’s real presence on the ground, ensuring public safety and accelerating recovery after the floods and landslides in Sumatra. (*)