Prabowo Orders Stronger Nationwide Response as Sumatra Faces Severe Floods

Jakarta: President Prabowo Subianto has instructed government agencies to intensify disaster response efforts and prioritize public safety as floods and landslides continue to strike Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

Public Works and Public Housing Minister Dody Hanggodo relayed the directive on Tuesday, following his visit with the president to several disaster-hit locations.

“President Prabowo has emphasized two main priorities: protecting residents and ensuring swift action on the ground,” Hanggodo said as quoted from Antara, Tuesday 2 December 2025.

Faster, Unified Disaster Handling

The minister noted that Prabowo urged all relevant institutions -,from central and regional governments to the military and police,- to strengthen coordination for a rapid and effective response.

He stressed that tighter collaboration is crucial as Indonesia faces increasingly complex disaster challenges.

Hanggodo said the Public Works Ministry has been instructed to boost vigilance and refine preparedness strategies by evaluating the ongoing emergencies across Sumatra.

“We are seeing multiple regions affected by floods and landslides, disrupting daily activities and requiring quick, coordinated action from all stakeholders,” he said.

Emergency Funds and Heavy Equipment Mobilized

To support on-site operations, the ministry has allocated Rp1 billion (over US$60,000) for emergency supplies, including basic necessities and response equipment, which will be distributed through local units.

Heavy machinery from various infrastructure projects has also been redeployed to reopen blocked roads and restore access to isolated areas.

Ensuring road access, Hanggodo added, remains a top priority to facilitate the flow of logistics and humanitarian aid.

“Once access is restored, recovery and reconstruction efforts can proceed more effectively,” he said.