By: Aditya Akbar)
President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra on Monday (1/12) was not merely part of his presidential agenda—it served as a firm affirmation that the state is fully present when its people face hardship. Amid the disasters affecting several regions across Sumatra, the President’s direct presence on the ground brought renewed optimism that emergency response efforts are moving quickly, in a coordinated manner, and addressing the most urgent needs of the affected communities.
President Prabowo arrived in Central Tapanuli on Monday morning (1/12) after departing Jakarta and landing at Raja Sisingamangaraja XI Airport. Upon disembarking, he immediately boarded a helicopter alongside Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf to reach the impacted area. The 40-minute air journey brought the delegation to Central Tapanuli, where National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Afif Nasution, and Regent Masinton Pasaribu were already waiting.
At the disaster site, President Prabowo emphasized that the government is acting swiftly despite challenging weather and terrain. He expressed appreciation to agencies that have responded rapidly from the outset, even as many land routes remain cut off. Hercules aircraft are being flown daily to deliver aid to isolated areas, while supply ships have successfully docked in Sibolga to ensure smooth fuel distribution. The President highlighted the importance of coordination across institutions—including the military (TNI), police (Polri), Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and regional governments—who continue working together to safeguard community resilience. His message was clear: the nation is strong because of its solidarity, and the government is fully committed to overcoming all obstacles in the field.
This statement aligns with reports from Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno. According to him, the President’s directives have become the foundation for large-scale mobilization across ministries and agencies. All components of the state were ordered to ensure assistance arrives quickly and accurately. Since the first day of the disaster, ministry personnel, TNI, Polri, and local governments have been stationed in affected areas to focus on restoring electricity, reopening land access, and distributing logistics via air and sea. Pratikno described this major synergy as proof that the state is working at maximum capacity, not waiting for additional orders, and moving as fast as possible to ease the burden on the people.
After the emergency phase, the government has prepared rehabilitation and reconstruction measures, including the construction of temporary and permanent housing. This approach aims to help residents resume normal activities soon and ensure better protection from future disasters. The comprehensive strategy shows that disaster management does not end with immediate relief but is designed to fully restore community life.
In Aceh, emergency conditions have also been met with swift action from central and regional governments. Damaged infrastructure has made several areas difficult to reach, prompting BNPB to send logistics by sea from Ulee Lheue Port. A total of 27 tons of aid was dispatched aboard the Express Bahari vessel to reach five regions: Lhokseumawe, North Aceh, East Aceh, Langsa City, and Aceh Tamiang. Shipments were routed through two ports—Krengkuku and Kuala Langsa—to accelerate distribution to still-isolated locations. This approach illustrates the state’s flexibility in using any transportation mode necessary to prevent delays in aid delivery.
Beyond sea routes, the government also deployed airdrop operations. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin explained that many evacuees remain difficult to reach due to completely severed roads and bridges. Through airdrops, aid packages are released from the air, retrieved by military personnel, and immediately distributed to residents in hard-to-reach areas. This method not only speeds up delivery but also demonstrates the government’s strategic adaptation to difficult and changing terrain.
To reinforce logistical mobility and evacuation efforts, the central government deployed eleven helicopters from Jakarta. The large-scale deployment of air assets signals the seriousness of the state’s efforts in responding to simultaneous disasters across Sumatra. This rapid decision ensures that logistics distribution, evacuation, and medical response operations can run more effectively.
In terms of public communication, the Aceh Regional Police also acted swiftly by installing Starlink devices to provide free internet access to residents who had been isolated without telecommunications for five days. Two devices were installed in affected areas, reconnecting communities with their families and enabling smoother coordination among field personnel. Restoring internet access has become a key aspect of recovery, aiding in data collection, needs assessment, and information dissemination.
President Prabowo’s series of visits to Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra illustrates a leadership style that is not only responsive but firmly grounded in direct field presence to ensure every instruction is executed properly. It sends a vital message that the state stands at the forefront with its people—committed to ensuring safety, resilience, and effective recovery. Amid the severe challenges posed by these disasters, Prabowo’s visits across the three major provinces of Sumatra bring renewed hope that the government is working swiftly, cohesively, and leaving no region behind.
This optimism must be preserved. From helicopters delivering aid, vessels navigating Aceh’s rough seas, to internet access being restored for isolated communities—every effort reflects a single truth: the state is moving, and the people are not left alone. With leadership that is visibly present on the ground, post-disaster recovery is expected to proceed swiftly and smoothly.
*) The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute
