Following devastating floods and landslides across multiple regions, President Prabowo Subianto surveyed the damage in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on monday, December 1. With a current death toll exceeding 600,the President’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and coordinating a thorough disaster response. During the tour, Prabowo issued five key directives focused on relief efforts, infrastructure repair, and long-term climate resilience.
President Prabowo Subianto has directed immediate action to address ongoing challenges in North Sumatra following recent devastating floods and landslides that have impacted several regions of Indonesia. The President visited affected areas in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on Monday, December 1, assessing the damage and meeting with displaced residents.
The President’s visit came as the death toll from the disasters reached 604, according to data released Monday afternoon by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
During his tour of the impacted regions, including Tapanuli Tengah, Kutacane, and Padang Pariaman, Prabowo issued five key directives to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
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1. Immediate Relief for North Sumatra
Prabowo began his assessment in Tapanuli Tengah, where he noted significant disruptions to transportation routes were hindering relief efforts. “Many routes are still cut off, but we are immediately taking all steps to overcome the difficulties experienced,” he said during his visit.
Specifically, the President addressed concerns about fuel and electricity shortages in the affected areas. He assured residents that the government was working to expedite deliveries.
“We have a large ship that can now dock in Sibolga to address the fuel issue, and we are continuously deploying Hercules aircraft to deliver supplies to several locations daily,” Prabowo stated.
The President also praised the coordinated efforts of various agencies, including the military, police, Public Works Ministry, and BNPB, emphasizing their effective collaboration.
“I want to thank all the agencies involved – the TNI, Polri, the Ministry of Public Works, and the BNPB – for their good work. We are facing this together, facing this disaster with resilience and solidarity. Our country is strong and capable of overcoming this,” he said.
2. National Preparedness for Climate Change
Beyond immediate relief, Prabowo stressed the importance of proactive government preparedness in the face of increasingly apparent climate change impacts. He urged all regions to remain vigilant and begin anticipating environmental risks.
“We are grateful that the weather has improved, and the worst forecasts have passed, hopefully. We are now facing climate change, and we must address it effectively,” Prabowo said at Raja Sisingamangaraja XII Airport in North Tapanuli Regency on Monday.
He emphasized the need for government agencies to prioritize environmental protection and future-proof against evolving climate conditions. “The government must truly function to protect the environment and anticipate future conditions. All regions must be prepared to face the impacts of climate change,” he added.
3. Presidential Directives Outlined by National Police Chief
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo detailed the President’s instructions following his visit with disaster victims in Tapanuli Tengah. Sigit said Prabowo directed a focus on meeting basic needs and ensuring fuel supplies.
“According to the President’s instructions after he inspected the situation at the command post, joint personnel from the TNI, Polri, local governments, and all related stakeholders are working together to carry out activities, starting with preparing meals for evacuees,” General Sigit said at an evacuation post in Pandan, Tapanuli Tengah, on Monday.
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Kapolri Jenderal Sigit mendampingi Presiden Prabowo di Tapanuli Tengah, Sumut, Senin (1/12). (Dok. Polri)
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“He also checked on the provision of health services and interacted with evacuees, identifying several concerns, including disrupted transportation routes,” he continued.
Sigit stated that Prabowo directed the immediate repair of damaged infrastructure and maximized assistance to those affected by the disaster.
“The President instructed that all damage caused by the disaster be repaired immediately. He also asked all related parties to maximize services to help people affected by the disaster,” Sigit said. “Essentially, he ordered that all activities to help those impacted by this natural disaster be maximized to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
4. Bridge Repairs Prioritized in Aceh
After surveying North Sumatra, Prabowo met with flood victims at an evacuation post in Desa Bambel Baru, Bukit Tusam, Aceh Tenggara, Aceh. He pledged that the government would promptly repair damaged bridges.
“Of course, we are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to the victims. We are also grateful that the weather has improved and the situation has eased,” Prabowo said during his visit to the evacuation post on Monday.
Prabowo commended the swift response of the military and police to the disaster in several regions, reiterating his commitment to reopening damaged bridges.
 Momen Presiden Prabowo kunjungi korban banjir bandang di Sumbar. (Dok. Istimewa) |
“I thank them, also the TNI and the police, for their quick reaction. We will immediately open the bridges, and the damaged bridges will be repaired immediately. I have already allocated funds for facilities and infrastructure in villages and regencies,” the former Defense Minister said.
Prabowo stated that the government already has the necessary funds for the infrastructure repairs and will seek to streamline central government spending to allocate more resources to the affected regions.
“Thankfully, we have the funds. We will implement savings measures at the central level so that we can provide as much assistance as possible to the people at the lowest level,” he said.
5. Addressing Water Supply and Bridge Damage in West Sumatra
Finally, Prabowo visited an evacuation post for flood victims in Batang Anai, Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra. He promised government assistance with the restoration of public facilities and damaged homes.
“Today, I came to see firsthand the reports from leaders here, to see and hear the situation directly. Thankfully, the weather has improved, and thankfully, aid has arrived,” Prabowo said at the evacuation post in Perum Kasai Permai, Nagari Kasang, Padang Pariaman, on Monday.
Prabowo reported that electricity in West Sumatra had been almost fully restored. The Gerindra Party Chairman pledged to repair water supplies, bridges, and damaged homes.
“I have received reports that electricity in West Sumatra is almost 100% restored. We are working to restore the water supply, and we are assessing all the bridges for repair. We will repair everything. We will help repair damaged homes,” he said.
Prabowo expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster, assuring residents that the government would support those affected.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I pray that you remain strong and believe that we are all one big family. We will not leave our brothers and sisters to bear this burden alone,” he said.
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