North Aceh Floods Enter Transition Phase, Government Focuses on Recovery and Rejects the Existence of Separatist Groups
By: Ricky Rinaldi
Flood management efforts in North Aceh have entered a transition phase as emergency conditions have gradually come under control. The government has now shifted its focus from emergency response to the recovery phase, prioritizing the restoration of community livelihoods, the repair of basic infrastructure, and the strengthening of social stability. In this phase, the government emphasizes that the recovery process must take place in a conducive environment and be free from efforts that could disrupt unity, including the rejection of the existence of separatist groups that may seek to exploit post-disaster conditions.
President Prabowo Subianto stressed that the post-flood transition phase is a crucial moment that will determine the sustainability of community recovery. According to the President, the state must remain consistently present to ensure that citizens can gradually resume their social and economic activities. He views recovery not only as a matter of physical reconstruction, but also as encompassing the restoration of a sense of security and public trust in the state.
The President emphasized that the government has a responsibility to ensure that the recovery process proceeds in an orderly and stable atmosphere. In his view, disasters must not be used as opportunities by certain parties to spread narratives or symbols that contradict the principles of national unity. Therefore, the President affirmed that the state will take a firm stance in rejecting any form of separatist group existence that could potentially disrupt public peace in affected areas.
President Prabowo also underlined that the central and regional governments must move in policy harmony. Such synergy is necessary to ensure that recovery programs—ranging from the repair of residents’ homes and the restoration of road access to the normalization of public services—can be implemented effectively and accurately. He believes that this collaboration will accelerate the normalization of life in North Aceh following the floods.
From a social perspective, the President observed that the people of North Aceh have demonstrated resilience and maturity in responding to post-disaster conditions. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring that public spaces remain free from provocations that could sow division. The state’s primary focus is to guarantee that citizens receive their rights to recovery, protection, and a sense of security, without interference from interests that run counter to national interests.
The President further stated that the success of the transition phase will serve as an important foundation for medium-term development in the affected areas. The government does not want recovery efforts to stop at temporary restoration, but to continue toward strengthening regional resilience against future disasters. Through this approach, the President hopes that the people of North Aceh can rise again in a better condition and be more prepared to face similar risks.
In addition, the President encouraged policy directions by emphasizing that post-flood recovery must serve as a momentum to strengthen unity. The state is present for all citizens, and any form of threat to national integrity will be addressed firmly and proportionately to safeguard national stability.
After the President outlined the policy direction, technical implementation on the ground became the key determinant of the success of the transition toward recovery.
Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, explained that North Aceh has now entered the transition phase toward recovery after primary emergency needs have been met. BNPB, together with the regional government, has begun focusing on the restoration of public facilities, the repair of affected residents’ homes, and the recovery of basic services such as education and health. These measures are aimed at ensuring that communities can return to normal activities.
Abdul Muhari stated that the government continues to maintain its presence on the ground throughout the transition phase to prevent the emergence of social disturbances. According to him, smooth distribution of aid and well-implemented recovery programs will reduce opportunities for provocations that could disrupt public order. BNPB views social stability as a key prerequisite for optimal recovery.
He emphasized that coordination among the central government, regional governments, and security apparatus continues to be strengthened. This approach is intended to ensure that the recovery phase focuses not only on physical development, but also on creating a safe and conducive environment. The government, he said, is committed to ensuring that there is no space for separatist groups to exploit post-disaster situations.
Abdul Muhari also highlighted the active role of the community in maintaining regional stability. Residents of North Aceh are considered to have shown a cooperative attitude and strong support for government-led recovery efforts. The community’s rejection of the presence of separatist groups is seen as a reflection of their desire to live peacefully and focus on restoring their welfare.
During the implementation of the transition phase, BNPB continues to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation. Any obstacles encountered in the field are promptly coordinated with regional governments to obtain swift solutions. This adaptive approach is considered essential to prevent prolonged disruptions in the recovery process.
Overall, the entry of flood management in North Aceh into the transition phase demonstrates the government’s readiness to manage recovery in a structured and sustainable manner. The leadership of President Prabowo Subianto, which emphasizes unity, along with technical support from BNPB, serves as an important foundation in ensuring that recovery proceeds smoothly. With a focus on recovery and the rejection of the existence of separatist groups, the government remains optimistic that North Aceh can soon rise again and continue development in a stable and inclusive manner.
*) Strategic Issues Observer
