By: Helmi Ardiansyah Sinaga )*
The flash floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are yet another reminder that Indonesia lives in a disaster-prone region. Amidst the physical damage and public grief, the state is required to act swiftly, accurately, and transparently. It must not only ensure aid is distributed, but also ensure that every rupiah of public funds is fully utilized for the people’s recovery. In this context, President Prabowo Subianto’s assertiveness serves as an important message to all government stakeholders, particularly regarding the potential for misappropriation of disaster management funds.
While leading a limited meeting at the National Assistance Post for Aceh Natural Disaster Management at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, Aceh Besar, President Prabowo emphasized that there must be no room for misappropriation of disaster funds. The President reminded ministers and regional heads to strictly supervise their respective ranks, especially regarding projects under their responsibility. This warning is not without reason. Large-scale disasters always open up opportunities for individuals to exploit emergency situations for personal enrichment.
President Prabowo emphasized that every element of government must exert all its capabilities, including ensuring that the budget is fully accountable. According to him, the disaster in Sumatra is proof that the state must manage its resources responsibly, as these critical times demand efficiency and appropriate budgetary use. In his statement, the President emphasized that every rupiah is crucial to address the people’s difficulties, and therefore, corruption in any form cannot be tolerated.
The President’s sensitivity to the issue of budget integrity demonstrates a clear policy direction: disaster management must be carried out with strong, transparent, and public-interest-oriented governance standards. The President’s strong statement rejecting any parties seeking to profit from the people’s suffering reflects a firm political stance against corruption. The President even ordered the police and local governments to conduct investigations, document potential violations, and impose strict sanctions on anyone found to be “rogue,” including those attempting to inflate prices or manipulate aid budgets.
This step aligns with the public’s need not only to see the state’s presence but also to ensure that the disaster management process is clean and free from improper practices. In many previous experiences, disasters often leave behind a record of budget irregularities, from logistics distribution to recovery infrastructure projects. Therefore, President Prabowo’s commitment to breaking the chain of irregularities deserves appreciation as part of strengthening national governance.
During his visit to various affected locations in Aceh, President Prabowo witnessed the damage firsthand. Reports he received indicated that many rice fields were destroyed and threatened with imminent loss of production. This situation clearly impacts local food security and the welfare of farmers. Furthermore, several dam failures—both large and small—have damaged irrigation systems and affected thousands of hectares of agricultural land. These facts demonstrate that recovery requires extensive work, careful planning, and significant use of public funds.
Amid these challenges, the President emphasized that the government will ensure that all response efforts are carried out in a gradual, measured, and sustainable manner. The government also remains vigilant regarding natural conditions, which can change at any time. Recovery measures will focus on accelerating environmental normalization, repairing vital infrastructure, and supporting communities to return to productive activities. This commitment is crucial for building public trust and demonstrating that the state is present not only in the form of emergency assistance, but also in the long-term recovery process.
To strengthen efforts to eradicate corruption in disaster management, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stated that it will monitor budget utilization, particularly in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stated that his institution will assign relevant deputies to coordinate, supervise, and implement preventive mechanisms. The goal is to ensure there are no irregularities, including in aid from the public.
The KPK wants to ensure that all aid is distributed according to its intended purpose and is not misused by individuals seeking personal gain. The KPK’s efforts align with the government’s policy of rejecting all forms of irregularities in disaster management.The synergy between the central government, regional governments, the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) demonstrates that Indonesia is moving toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more coordinated disaster management system. The President’s decisiveness provides the moral and political foundation to ensure that the Sumatra disaster response serves as a momentum for improving governance, rather than a space for corrupt practices.
President Prabowo’s swift action in visiting the affected areas, leading limited meetings, and issuing firm instructions demonstrates responsive leadership that addresses the urgency of the problem. This approach aligns with the public’s expectations of seeing the government take concrete action on the ground, not just make promises.
In emergency situations, integrity is a crucial asset for the government to maintain public trust. When the public sees that aid reaches them without deductions or manipulation, solidarity and optimism can grow. Furthermore, strong law enforcement against violations will create a deterrent effect, preventing similar practices from recurring.
)* The author is a Social Issues Observer