Jakarta – The government has affirmed its national readiness and capability to handle the floods and landslides that have struck several areas in Sumatra. President Prabowo Subianto stated that although many leaders of friendly countries have offered assistance, Indonesia prefers to rely on its own strength because its disaster management capacity is deemed sufficient.
“I received calls from many heads of state asking to send aid. I said, ‘Thank you, your concern, we are capable. Indonesia is capable of handling this,'” Prabowo said while leading a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (December 15, 2025).
The President emphasized that the country has strong and well-trained personnel, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). All these elements are working in an integrated manner in humanitarian operations, including the deployment of dozens of helicopters and dozens of aircraft to reach hard-to-reach affected areas.
“The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) are strong. We can deploy dozens of helicopters, dozens of aircraft, in a short time. There are places where fuel is delivered daily by plane, using Hercules transporters. This is only possible with a strong country,” Prabowo emphasized.
On the ground, the central and regional governments continue to open land access to villages still isolated by floods and landslides. While waiting for land routes to be restored, Indonesian Air Force helicopters are being deployed to ensure logistical aid, medicine, and basic necessities continue to reach residents. The President called the presence of officers among the community a reflection of a nation at work.
“This is something we should be proud of. Frankly, as President of the Republic of Indonesia, I am proud to see our officers at every level among the people,” he said.
As a commitment to direct oversight, Prabowo plans to regularly visit affected areas. “I plan to visit the area at least once a week to monitor developments,” he said.
From the legislative side, Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, emphasized that the government will not leave residents facing the disaster alone. “The government will definitely be present, but please be patient. Rainfall is still very high,” Marwan said while visiting evacuation centers in Deli Serdang. He also highlighted the importance of evaluating post-disaster environmental management to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
With cross-agency coordination, the direct presence of state leaders, and the full support of officials and volunteers, the government is optimistic that disaster management and recovery in Sumatra can be swift, precise, and sustainable.