Swift Government Response Eases Burden on Sumatra Flood Victims, Residents Express Appreciation
Jakarta – The government moved swiftly to respond to the flash floods that struck several regions in Sumatra by distributing humanitarian assistance to affected residents. Through cross-ministerial and inter-agency coordination, the delivery of logistical aid, evacuation tents, and the restoration of basic services such as electricity has been accelerated to ensure that the urgent needs of communities are met amid the post-disaster emergency.
These efforts have been directly felt by residents of Garoga Village, Batangtoru District, South Tapanuli Regency, which was severely affected by flash floods on November 25, 2025. The disaster devastated nearly the entire village, causing total damage and forcing residents to evacuate to various locations. In this situation, the government’s presence through the provision of tents and logistical assistance has been considered highly helpful in easing the burden on evacuees.
Garoga Village Head Isman Rambe expressed his appreciation for the realization of aid that had previously been promised during a visit by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). According to Isman, residents had conveyed three main needs at the time: the restoration of electricity, the provision of tents, and support for livelihoods.
“Alhamdulillah, the promises have been fulfilled. For now, we have received the assistance, Minister—thank you very much for your help, and electricity has also been restored,” Isman Rambe said, as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Isman explained that tents were an urgent necessity, as displaced residents required proper temporary shelter. In addition, the community also needed basic household equipment, such as gas cylinders, stoves, woks, and cooking utensils, to support daily activities in evacuation areas.
Appreciation was also expressed by Abdul, a farmer from Garoga Village who was directly affected by the disaster. He said that the provision of tents gave hope to residents who had lost their homes. “On behalf of the community affected by this natural disaster, we would like to thank you for the tents. This is what we hoped for as temporary shelter, because we truly need it here,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to post-disaster recovery efforts. The Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared assistance for household furnishings worth Rp 3 million per family to replace damaged or lost basic household necessities. “This assistance is intended to replace household items that were damaged or lost, such as kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, and other basic needs,” said Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf.
At the same time, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, together with SKK Migas, continues to distribute humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung emphasized that this contribution reflects the state’s presence and the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening community social resilience in the face of disasters.
