Smoother Logistics Distribution After Road Access Restoration, Evidence of Infrastructure Acceleration in Sumatra After the Floods
By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
Infrastructure recovery following the massive floods that hit several areas on the island of Sumatra is showing increasingly tangible results. One of the most significant indicators is the return to smooth logistics distribution after previously damaged or cut off national, provincial, and district roads have been successfully restored.
This condition is concrete evidence of accelerated development and the government’s rapid response in addressing the impact of the disaster while maintaining economic and social stability. Through swift and coordinated measures, the central government and local governments are moving to carry out massive infrastructure restoration.
The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), supported by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and various stakeholders, deployed heavy equipment, construction materials, and technical personnel to reopen affected roads. Emergency measures were carried out first to allow logistics routes to resume their function, followed by permanent repairs to ensure future infrastructure resilience.
The results of these efforts are now starting to be felt directly by the community and businesses. The flow of logistics vehicles, which had been disrupted, has now returned to normal. Trucks carrying basic necessities, agricultural products, and other necessities can pass through without significant obstacles. In several areas, distribution travel times, which previously increased drastically due to long detours, have now become more efficient. This has had a positive impact on the stability of market prices and the availability of supplies in various regions.
The Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari, stated that accelerating the restoration of land infrastructure is key to reducing the number of evacuees and streamlining the distribution of aid and logistics to affected areas. Opening road access is a crucial priority because it directly impacts evacuations, aid distribution, and the restoration of basic services.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that several previously blocked roads are now accessible, including the route from Bener Meriah to Bireuen. Several alternative routes have been opened and can be used by both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. Additional access to the Bener Meriah-Bireuen road is underway. Currently, several alternative routes are beginning to be used.
Abdul Muhari stated that the National Road from Tekengon to Blangkejeren, which was previously undergoing restoration, is now functioning normally. Furthermore, all routes connecting Banda Aceh to Medan are now passable.
Abdul Muhari also reported that 38 roads were affected by the disaster. Two alternative roads are now in place, namely the Bireuen/Bener Meriah-Bener Meriah/Central Aceh Highway (the alternative road at the Weihni Enang-Enang and Jamur Ujung Bridges) and the Genting Gerbang-Sp. Uning Highway (the alternative road at the Titi Merah Bridge).
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works (PU) confirmed that 12 main national road corridors in North Sumatra are now passable following the floods and landslides.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that restoring national roads is a priority during the emergency response and transition to infrastructure rehabilitation. The PU Ministry is moving quickly to ensure that main routes are functional again to ensure unimpeded community activities and logistics distribution, while prioritizing the safety of road users. This step is crucial to ensure the return of economic activity and logistics distribution to normal.
Several national road corridors that are already operational include the 68-km Tarutung-Sipirok section, with temporary improvements (detours) for user safety. The Sibolga-Batangtoru corridor is now connected by embankment construction over a new river channel and is passable by four-wheeled vehicles, although it will be temporarily closed during heavy rain. Batangtoru-Singkuang is now passable, limited to light vehicles, with aggregate compaction and ongoing repairs due to the ongoing rainy weather. The Sidikalang-Singkil-Barus-Sorkam-Sibolga corridor is also operational, ensuring connectivity in the West Sumatra Trans-Sumatra area.
In addition to the West Sumatra Trans-Sumatra section, several other important corridors that are now passable include: Padang Sidempuan-Panyabungan – West Sumatra Provincial Boundary, Padang Sidempuan – Batangtoru, and Singkuang – Natal – Gambir Intersection – West Sumatra Provincial Boundary. The Aceh Provincial Boundary – Pangkalan Susu Intersection – Tanjung Pura Boundary – Binjai section is now operating normally as floodwaters have receded.
Toll roads such as Medan-Pangkalan Brandan, Medan-Sinaksak, and Tebing Tinggi-Kisaran are also passable and operating normally. This allows for the smooth distribution of goods and the return of public mobility.r post-disaster.
The successful restoration of road access and smooth logistics distribution following the Sumatra floods clearly illustrates the importance of preparedness and cross-sector synergy in disaster management. A rapid response, thorough planning, and a strong commitment to infrastructure development have proven effective in minimizing the impact of disasters on people’s lives and the economy.
The government affirms that it will continue to strengthen resilient and sustainable infrastructure development as the main foundation for national economic growth. The experience of post-flood recovery in Sumatra provides valuable lessons for improving the quality of infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance throughout Indonesia. With reliable infrastructure, logistics distribution can be maintained, even amidst the challenges of natural disasters, thereby sustainably improving public welfare.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Information Studies
