By: Teuku Rasyid Hasnawi
The floods and landslides that struck Aceh in 2025 should not be viewed solely as a humanitarian tragedy, but also as a momentum for all of us to take a closer look at how national strength operates when tested by crisis. At the same time, this moment invites readers to objectively assess that the nation’s capacity to deal with disasters can no longer be underestimated, especially when the government and society move in the same rhythm.
Aceh has once again proven that the region possesses strong resilience to rise from major disasters. Its long experience in facing conflict and natural calamities has forged a social toughness that does not easily collapse, reinforced by the swift presence of the state in mobilizing all national instruments without having to depend on assistance from foreign parties.
The government’s rapid response from the very beginning of the incident serves as an important marker that disaster management is not merely reactive, but planned and measured. Recovery efforts, therefore, do not rely solely on international sympathy, but are grounded in the nation’s internal strength—an aspect that has often been questioned by some.
The floods and landslides that began in November 2025 were indeed recorded as among the most severe hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh over the past two decades. Their wide-ranging impacts forced hundreds of thousands of residents to leave their homes and caused significant damage to basic infrastructure, including connecting roads, healthcare facilities, and logistics distribution networks.
Yet amid this pressure, the regional government chose not to wait. Instead, it immediately optimized the use of Emergency Contingency Funds as an initial step to ensure that urgent community needs were met, while simultaneously accelerating the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure so that social and economic life would not come to a prolonged halt.
These measures demonstrate that coordination between the regional and central governments has functioned effectively, particularly in ensuring that the distribution of logistical assistance, healthcare services, and the management of displaced populations were carried out simultaneously, without having to wait for decisions regarding foreign aid.
Confidence in national capacity was also reinforced by Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Ujang Bey, who assessed that the government still has full capacity to handle the flooding in Aceh. His statement reflects the legislature’s trust in the state’s readiness to manage large-scale emergency situations.
Ujang Bey viewed the absence of decisions or approval regarding foreign assistance as an indication that the government has conducted careful calculations and assessed that all emerging challenges can still be addressed using the nation’s own resources. Therefore, the primary focus must remain on accelerating the fulfillment of the needs of affected residents.
Calls for the government to move swiftly and simultaneously are highly relevant, because in disaster situations, the speed of response often determines how much secondary impact can be minimized—both from a humanitarian perspective and in terms of social stability. Thus far, the government is seen as having been able to maintain this working rhythm.
The presence of the state on the ground is also reflected in the active role of security forces, particularly the Indonesian National Police (Polri), which have not only carried out security functions but have also been directly involved in humanitarian missions—an approach that strengthens public trust in state institutions.
The Aceh Regional Police (Polda Aceh), through the implementation of Operation Aman Nusa II 2025, recorded intensive healthcare services for disaster-affected residents, a figure that illustrates the real scale of field operations in ensuring that public safety and health remain top priorities.
Head of Public Relations of Polda Aceh, Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, stated that cumulatively from 27 November to 17 December 2025, the Medical Sub-Task Force of Polda Aceh provided healthcare services to 10,931 people affected by natural disasters. This achievement reflects systematic and sustained work, rather than a one-off response.
The emphasis that the National Police actively perform humanitarian roles beyond their security mandate carries an important message: in times of crisis, the state is present not only as a guardian of order, but also as a protector and supporter of the lives of citizens directly affected.
From the perspective of national policy, the central government has also openly conveyed a cautious stance regarding the acceptance of international aid. This decision cannot be separated from the consideration that coordination among domestic institutions is still running effectively and is capable of addressing urgent needs on the ground.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that, for the time being, the government has not opened opportunities to receive international assistance, while still expressing appreciation and gratitude for the attention shown by friendly countries toward Aceh’s situation.
This stance does not signify isolation from global cooperation, but rather demonstrates the government’s confidence in the national disaster management system that has continuously been improved, in terms of regulations, budgeting, and cross-sector coordination.
Overall, the series of measures taken—from the swift response of the regional government, the full support of the central government, the active involvement of security forces, to the solidarity of the Acehnese people themselves—portray a picture of national resilience that deserves appreciation and serves as a shared lesson.
Ultimately, the synergy between the central government and the people of Aceh stands as tangible proof that national solidarity is not merely a slogan, but a practice that can be realized even in the most difficult situations. Therefore, it is time for the broader public to support these recovery efforts with optimism and confidence that this nation is capable of standing firm in the face of any disaster that may come.
*) Consultant on Women’s and Children’s Empowerment – Aceh Madani Women’s Advocacy Institution