By: Reza Mahendra Siregar
President Prabowo Subianto began the week with a swift visit to flood-affected regions in North Sumatra on Monday (1/12/2025). His decision to depart for the disaster zone early in the morning underscored the government’s commitment to delivering frontline response, particularly in restoring heavily damaged infrastructure and health services across several provinces in Sumatra affected by severe flooding. In his briefing prior to departure, the President expressed his appreciation to all parties who responded quickly to the disaster and emphasized the government’s immediate efforts to repair damaged infrastructure networks and restore the distribution of essential logistics, including fuel supplies.
President Prabowo departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base at around 06:00 WIB, heading to Raja Sisingamangaraja XII Airport in North Tapanuli. The emergency working visit was arranged to ensure that disaster response measures undertaken by various agencies were being implemented in accordance with established standards. The government has placed particular attention on severely damaged basic infrastructure, including roads and bridges, energy networks, telecommunications, and health services in isolated regions. According to a report from the Presidential Secretariat’s Press Bureau, the President aimed to directly inspect on-the-ground conditions, especially locations that have yet to receive adequate assistance due to access constraints.
Upon arrival at the airport around 08:00 WIB, the President—dressed in a beige safari suit—immediately boarded a helicopter to visit the evacuation center at the Tapanuli Tengah Sports Hall. His presence at multiple affected points served as a strong symbol that the state is not only working from command centers in Jakarta but is physically present to ensure that every disaster response policy addresses the real needs of the people. He was accompanied by Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, two senior officials who have closely monitored the evolving disaster situation in Sumatra from the outset.
The visit came amid reports from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), which recorded a high number of casualties due to flash floods and landslides in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. As of Sunday night (30/11/2025), 442 fatalities had been confirmed, with hundreds more still missing. The number of injured victims also reached several hundred. These figures illustrate the magnitude of the disaster and highlight the urgent need for swift action, particularly in reaching areas that remain isolated.
To support the ongoing response, the government has deployed a total of 11 helicopters from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). According to information from the Cabinet Secretary, nine units had been stationed in the affected regions since 26 November and were immediately utilized for logistics distribution, civilian evacuation, and aerial assessments of damage. Two additional helicopters were deployed to Aceh to expand the reach of emergency assistance. Each flight operation is prioritized based on safety considerations and the constantly changing weather conditions in several locations. The government considers air mobilization essential, as many roads and bridges have been severed by landslides and flood currents.
During his inspection, the President stressed the importance of infrastructure recovery as a key component of overall disaster response. He emphasized that reopening access roads and bridges is not only crucial for civilian mobility but also vital for enabling the delivery of medical aid, logistics, and health personnel to remote communities. The government, through relevant ministries, has prepared technical measures for rapid reconstruction, including the construction of temporary bridges and clearing of routes obstructed by landslide debris.
Health services remain a critical area of concern. Field reports indicate that many healthcare facilities in affected regions have experienced operational disruptions due to structural damage and shortages of medical personnel. In response, the government has ordered the establishment of temporary health posts at several evacuation centers. Medical teams from the TNI, Basarnas, Ministry of Health, and various volunteer groups have been deployed with equipment to treat injuries, post-flood illnesses, and vulnerable population needs. The government stresses that maintaining access to healthcare is essential to preventing secondary crises in the aftermath of the disaster.
Previously, the President instructed national and regional officials to work swiftly to mitigate the impact of the disaster. He called for strong cross-sectoral coordination in all decision-making to avoid overlaps or delays in aid distribution. He also reiterated that the government has prepared distribution vessels to ensure fuel supplies reach areas inaccessible by land. This measure is deemed crucial, as energy distribution supports the operation of healthcare services, public kitchens, and heavy machinery used in restoring access routes.
President Prabowo also urged the public to face this tragedy with resilience and strong solidarity. He highlighted that Indonesia’s social strength has always been central in every disaster response, and the same spirit is needed once again. The government remains confident that through collective effort, the nation will overcome this difficult situation.
The President’s visit to communities enduring severe hardship carries significant symbolic meaning and affirms the government’s policy direction of prioritizing direct field response. His inspection ensures that the government is fully present—from rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening health services to restoring community livelihoods. With broad coordination across multiple agencies, the government is optimistic that the recovery process will progress swiftly and enable affected communities to rise again.
Social Policy Analyst – Madani Institute for Social Affairs