By: Arfan Wijaya Putra )*
The government continues to accelerate the recovery of vital infrastructure in Sumatra following flash floods and landslides that hit Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025. These events damaged hundreds of national roads and bridges, making restoring connectivity a top priority to ensure the resumption of humanitarian aid and community activities. President Prabowo Subianto personally inspected the situation on the ground in Kutacane, Southeast Aceh, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to completing the recovery process faster than initially estimated.
On that occasion, the President explained that the government had allocated a special budget to strengthen basic infrastructure and village facilities. He stated that savings at the central level were being made so that more funds could be directed directly to communities in villages and sub-districts. This perspective emphasized the government’s prioritization of development from the grassroots level, ensuring that post-disaster recovery focuses not only on physical improvements but also on strengthening local social and economic structures.
The President also highlighted several vital routes cut off by floods and landslides. He assured that damaged roads and bridges would be promptly repaired. This emphasis demonstrates the government’s view of connectivity as the key to post-disaster recovery.
The government wants to ensure that aid distribution is unimpeded and that people can return to their daily activities without prolonged disruption. In addition to inspecting damaged infrastructure, the President also visited public kitchens and emergency facilities to ensure effective humanitarian services. During the visit, he emphasized the acceleration of the formation of village cooperatives as a means to streamline the distribution of subsidies and direct aid.
In the technical sector, the Ministry of Public Works is leading the recovery acceleration effort. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo explained that the first priority is opening road access to allow aid and heavy equipment to enter safely.
Dody stated that his ministry has increased the number of heavy equipment, added personnel, and strengthened coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in each region. As of December 2, 2025, identification recorded 253 landslides and 86 flooding points damaging national roads in three provinces, requiring a planned and efficient parallel strategy.
In Aceh, 46 landslides and 34 flooding areas affected 35 roads and caused the closure of 14 bridges. Although some roads have become passable, floodwaters of approximately 80 centimeters still hamper the movement of heavy equipment. The government responded by installing Bailey bridges in several priority locations.
The Minister of Public Works explained that the installation allows small vehicles to enter, allowing aid to flow quickly. This step demonstrates that the recovery is being carried out in stages, adapting to field conditions while still focusing on acceleration.
In North Sumatra, more extensive damage was recorded with 144 landslides and 20 floods, damaging 25 roads and four bridges. The government has made opening logistics routes to Tapanuli a primary focus, as the region is heavily dependent on supplies from outside the region. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, 63 landslides and 32 floods disrupted 30 national roads. This damage has placed significant pressure on transportation and public mobility, necessitating immediate emergency repairs to prevent prolonged disruption to socio-economic activities.
The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is targeting completion of emergency repairs in all affected areas by December 16, 2025. On the ground, engineering centers are continuing to clear landslide material, normalize river flows, fill in debris, and install retaining walls. All these efforts are being carried out day and night, prioritizing the safety of officers and residents, especially in areas at risk of further landslides. This accelerated target demonstrates that the government is treating the restoration of vital infrastructure as an urgent task, not a task that can be postponed.
At the inter-ministerial coordination level, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, emphasized that the government is working hard to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in all affected areas. He stated that the President has ordered that the recovery process be carried out as quickly as possible, including repairing road access, bridges, and energy networks.
According to Pratikno, relevant ministries and agencies have held several discussions to formulate expedited measures, with the results expected within the same week. This statement demonstrates how the government is ensuring that strategic decisions are not hampered by bureaucratic coordination.
With all these steps, the government demonstrates a clear commitment to accelerating Sumatra’s recovery. The focus on opening access, accelerating bridge repairs, deploying heavy equipment on a large scale, and coordinating across ministries demonstrates the government’s full presence in addressing the impact of the disaster.
Accelerating the recovery of vital infrastructure is not just about repairing roads and bridges, but also about restoring social and economic balance to affected communities. The government’s focused, systematic, and responsive approach demonstrates that accelerating recovery is not merely an administrative goal, but a moral commitment to ensuring that the people of Sumatra can stand strong again.
)* The author is a social observer