By: Ferry Irwandi)*
The government has moved very quickly in responding to the floods and landslides that have struck several regions, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. National synergy between the central and regional governments has been established to ensure that humanitarian aid can be distributed much more effectively, while also initiating recurrent risk mitigation efforts through long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. Every element of the bureaucracy, such as the military, police, and volunteers, is working in an integrated manner to ensure the safety and recovery of disaster-affected communities.
In this regard, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Pratikno, emphasized that the government has prioritized emergency response as a national priority. The Ready-to-Use Fund (DSP), managed directly by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), has been allocated for evacuating residents, distributing logistical and medical aid, and repairing roads cut off by landslides.
President Prabowo Subianto’s instructions ensure that every ministry and agency mobilizes maximum resources, with budget flexibility to increase DSPs as needs arise. This further enables the government’s rapid, adaptive, and effective response to evolving emergency situations.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) led cross-agency coordination, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and volunteers, in a 24-hour search and rescue operation. Critical infrastructure such as damaged roads and bridges received special attention from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) to ensure smooth aid distribution.
Helicopters are being used to deliver supplies to hard-to-reach locations, while the Ministry of Health is deploying mobile medical services and emergency health facilities. The available budget and logistics ensure that every affected victim receives prompt and appropriate treatment.
The disasters that struck Sumatra served as a stark reminder of the region’s ecological vulnerability. Drifts of logs, the destruction of watersheds, and the loss of natural buffer zones demonstrate the high pressures on the upstream environment.
Therefore, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced immediate steps, including the formation of a special team to investigate the source of the damage, tightening oversight of forest utilization permits, and developing a restoration program for critical forest areas. This focus is intended to further minimize the risk of recurring flooding and continue to strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The chairman of the Muhammadiyah Student Association’s Central Executive Board, Riyan Beltra Delza, emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental restoration as part of risk mitigation efforts.
Restoring forests and upstream ecosystems cannot be done by the government alone; therefore, active community participation through tree planting, monitoring, and reporting irregularities is key to success.
It is hoped that this disaster will provide momentum to improve environmental governance as a whole and raise collective awareness of the importance of maintaining upstream ecosystems for the safety and sustainability of the region.
Long-term mitigation strategies include spatial planning to avoid development in disaster-prone areas, drainage improvements, construction of infiltration wells and simple embankments, and routine cleaning of water channels.
Early warning systems are being strengthened, and public education on mitigation measures is part of a preventative approach. The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) plays a key role in strengthening physical infrastructure as a bulwark against future disasters, while local governments ensure the accessibility of aid and access to recovery for local communities.
This synergy is not only carried out by the government but also involves the private sector. Bank Sumsel Babel distributed humanitarian aid through its CSR program, including 10 tons of rice and 2,500 boxes of instant noodles, in collaboration with the South Sumatra Provincial Government.
Aid was distributed through local disaster management agencies (BPBD) to reach affected residents quickly and effectively. This private sector support strengthened cross-regional solidarity, eased the burden on communities, and accelerated early recovery in the affected areas.
National coordination was also evident in the participation of various provinces in distributing aid through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), including the delivery of logistics, medicines, and emergency facilities. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian expressed his appreciation for the coordinated interregional solidarity, emphasizing the BNPB’s role as the primary liaison to expedite the emergency response and reduce the risk of unequal distribution of aid. This structured mutual cooperation demonstrates the strength of Indonesia’s national empathy, which was listed as the most generous nation in the 2024 World Giving Index.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, emphasized that public safety is a top priority. The synergy between the central government, regional governments, the private sector, and the community fosters national resilience, driven by the independence and unity of all elements.
This comprehensive strategy ensures that every affected person receives immediate assistance, while also preparing for long-term recovery to minimize the risk of similar disasters.
The handling of floods and landslides in Sumatra demonstrates that integrated national synergy, both in emergency response and recurring risk mitigation, can provide rapid and comprehensive solutions.
The strong coordination of the central and regional governments, supported by the active participation of the community and the private sector, provides an effective model for responding to major disasters. This integrated effort not only restored the lives of affected communities but also strengthened ecological and social resilience in Sumatra, ensuring preparedness for future natural challenges. (*)
)* The author is a contributor to the Strategic Information Study Institute