Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing rapid assistance to residents affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
This statement was made during his direct inspection of evacuation shelters and several disaster-hit areas in Kutacane, Southeast Aceh, as well as Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra.
During a dialogue with evacuees, the President ensured that funding support is fully available through efficiency measures previously implemented by the central government.
“Alhamdulillah, we have the budget. We’ve made significant savings at the central level so that as much assistance as possible can be directed to the people at the grassroots level — villages, districts. That’s our target,” Prabowo said.
He emphasized that assistance is not limited to emergency needs but also includes the restoration of essential infrastructure damaged by the disaster.
The President stated that the government will immediately repair disconnected roads and damaged bridges in several affected areas.
“We will soon reopen severed routes, and we will promptly repair damaged bridges,” he said.
Prabowo added that improving weather conditions are allowing faster evacuations and more efficient distribution of aid.
“The worst of the forecasts has passed. These conditions show that we must properly address the challenges of climate change,” Prabowo noted.
He expressed appreciation to all parties involved in disaster response efforts, including BNPB, the TNI, the Polri, Basarnas, ministries/agencies, and regional governments.
“We have deployed many helicopters, Hercules aircraft, and other planes. God willing, with strong cooperation and good teamwork, we can swiftly overcome this disaster and provide solutions to the difficulties faced by the people,” he stressed.
During the visit, the President also reviewed the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) kitchen and ensured that priority government programs in the affected areas—such as the Free Nutritious Meals program and the Merah Putih Village Cooperative—continue running.
“Every village will have a cooperative. Subsidized goods from the government will go directly to the people, without intermediaries—directly to the people,” he said, receiving applause from residents.
President Prabowo’s presence at the disaster sites underscores that the state stands with its people, especially during emergencies.
The government remains committed to ensuring that all disaster response measures are swift, well-coordinated, and focused on addressing the most urgent needs of affected communities.