By: Ricky Rinaldi )*
The government continues to strengthen flood management efforts in several areas of Sumatra by opening emergency bridges and alternative routes to ensure smooth aid distribution. This step is part of the government’s strategy to maintain connectivity in affected areas while accelerating the recovery of community activities. In emergency disaster situations, open access is considered a key factor in ensuring that logistical aid, health services, and humanitarian support can reach residents equitably and in a timely manner.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the state must not allow disaster-affected communities to be isolated due to the disruption of connecting infrastructure. According to the President, the construction of emergency bridges and the opening of alternative routes demonstrate the state’s presence in addressing the most basic needs of the community during a disaster. The President believes that smooth access not only impacts aid distribution but also significantly impacts the sense of security and certainty of life for flood-affected residents.
The President believes that accelerating the restoration of regional connectivity must go hand in hand with other emergency response measures. In his view, the government is not only sufficient to distribute aid but also ensures that these distribution channels are fully functional. Therefore, the President encouraged all relevant ministries and institutions to act quickly and adaptively to build temporary infrastructure that can be immediately used by the public.
In the context of the floods that have hit several areas in Sumatra, President Prabowo emphasized the importance of an integrated approach between the central and regional governments. The central government is providing full support through resource mobilization, while regional governments are expected to actively collect data on needs in the field. This synergy is seen as key to ensuring that the construction of emergency bridges and alternative routes can be carried out in accordance with geographical conditions and the real needs of the community.
The President also emphasized that these emergency measures are part of a medium-term strategy towards comprehensive recovery. Temporary infrastructure is designed not only for emergency purposes but also to buffer community activities until permanent development can be realized. With this approach, the government wants to ensure that the post-disaster recovery process does not result in a long delay that could potentially worsen the social and economic conditions of residents.
The President emphasized that every disaster management policy must be oriented towards community protection. The government is striving to prevent the impact of the floods from escalating into a broader humanitarian crisis due to delays in aid. Therefore, opening alternative routes is a strategic step to maintain distribution flows even if primary infrastructure is damaged.
After the President confirmed the policy direction, technical implementation on the ground became the primary focus to ensure the policy’s benefits were truly felt by the affected communities.
The Head of the National Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center (Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication) of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, explained that the opening of emergency bridges and alternative routes was carried out based on mapping of the affected areas and the extent of infrastructure damage. BNPB, along with relevant agencies, prioritized locations isolated due to the disruption of main roads and bridges. This step aimed to ensure that logistical aid and personnel could enter without significant obstacles.
The use of emergency bridges was a quick solution to reconnect areas separated by flooding. In addition, alternative routes were prepared to divert the flow of aid vehicles so that distribution could continue even though the main route had not been fully restored. According to Muhari, flexibility in access management is key to successful disaster management in areas with challenging geographic conditions.
BNPB is also collaborating with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), and local governments to expedite the construction of this temporary infrastructure. Cross-sector coordination is considered crucial to ensure the safe and expeditious construction of emergency bridges, while also ensuring that the opened routes are passable for logistics and evacuation vehicles.
During implementation, safety remains a top priority. Every emergency bridge and alternative route opened has undergone a technical assessment to ensure it does not endanger users. This approach is taken to prevent further risks that could arise if temporary infrastructure is used without careful consideration.
This opening of access has a direct impact on accelerating aid distribution. Logistics such as food, clean water, medicine, and other basic necessities can reach affected residents more quickly. Furthermore, open access facilitates mobility.The deployment of medical teams and volunteers to provide healthcare and psychosocial support.
From a national disaster management perspective, the government’s move to open emergency bridges and alternative routes reflects a responsive and adaptive approach. The government is not only focused on emergency response but also ensures that the aid distribution chain remains intact despite disruptions to key infrastructure.
Overall, this policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that flood-affected communities in Sumatra are not cut off from state aid. With the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and technical support from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), opening emergency bridges and alternative routes is a strategic solution to ensure the smooth flow of aid. Through this step, the government hopes that the recovery process will proceed more quickly and that communities can gradually return to their normal lives.
)* Strategic Issues Observer