The Indonesian government has not yet declared a national disaster status for the severe floods and landslides sweeping across Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar). President Prabowo Subianto asserted that the current handling of the widespread disaster remains at the provincial emergency response level, which he deems sufficient for the present circumstances.
“We continue to monitor the situation. I believe the current conditions are adequately managed,” President Prabowo stated in Tapanuli Tengah Regency, North Sumatra, on Monday, December 1, as broadcast via the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel. His remarks underscore a cautious approach despite the mounting devastation.
Prabowo noted an improvement in weather conditions in Tapanuli Tengah Regency, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the crisis. The Gerindra Party Chairman emphatically urged all government agencies to take optimal measures to safeguard the environment and proactively mitigate future climate disaster risks, highlighting the long-term challenges ahead. “We are grateful the weather is improving, and the worst of the forecasts has passed. We must confront these current climate change conditions effectively,” he added, stressing the need for resilience and adaptation.
Currently, the government is prioritizing the urgent delivery of fuel (BBM) and the restoration of electricity supplies to the impacted regions. During his visit, President Prabowo received reports indicating that several villages remain cut off from essential fuel and electricity access, underscoring the immediate humanitarian challenges. “The priority now is how to promptly deliver the necessary aid, especially fuel, which is critically important. Electricity, I believe, will be fully restored very soon,” Prabowo affirmed, outlining the immediate action plan.
Beyond his visit to North Sumatra, President Prabowo and his delegation are also scheduled to inspect displacement camps for affected communities located in Southeast Aceh and West Sumatra. Upon visiting a relief post in Kutacane, Southeast Aceh, Prabowo extended his appreciation to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the TNI-Polri personnel for their swift response in managing the floods and landslides in Aceh. He also praised the establishment of a “Free Nutritious Meals Kitchen” (Makan Bergizi Gratis – MBG) at the displacement post, recognizing efforts to support evacuees.
Demand for National Disaster Status Declaration
Earlier, Dini Rahmania, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission VIII, had strongly urged President Prabowo to declare a national disaster emergency. Her plea came in the wake of escalating floods, landslides, and flash floods simultaneously afflicting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, which she argued warrant a higher level of intervention.
According to Rahmania, these hydrometeorological disasters have tragically claimed lives and crippled vital strategic infrastructure, including primary road access and public facilities. “Empathy alone is not enough. The central government must act immediately with its highest authority, which is to declare a national disaster status,” Dini stated in a written release on Friday, November 28, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She argued that the declaration of a national disaster status is critical because the scale of the catastrophe, impacting three provinces simultaneously, has clearly surpassed the capacities of local governments.
Dini further elaborated that establishing a national status would grant the president the political legitimacy to conduct comprehensive environmental audits, impose permit moratoriums, and enforce legal action against parties responsible for damaging upstream areas that trigger recurring disasters. However, Lieutenant General Suharyanto, Head of BNPB, clarified in a press conference on November 28 that the central government has not yet designated the floods and landslides on Sumatra Island as a national disaster. Suharyanto explained that the disasters affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are still categorized as provincial-level regional disasters.
Grim statistics reported by BNPB as of November 30 indicate a significant increase in casualties, with the total number of fatalities from the floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra rising to 442 people. Furthermore, the BNPB also recorded that 402 individuals remain missing in the aftermath of the devastating events. Specifically, the total number of deceased victims reached 96 in Aceh, 217 in North Sumatra, and 129 in West Sumatra. Meanwhile, the missing persons count includes 75 individuals in Aceh, 209 in North Sumatra, and 118 in West Sumatra who are yet to be found.
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the severe floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are currently handled at the provincial emergency response level, which he deems sufficient. He emphasized monitoring the situation, noted improving weather, and urged optimal measures to mitigate future climate disaster risks. The government is prioritizing the urgent delivery of fuel and the restoration of electricity supplies to the affected regions.
Despite this, Dini Rahmania of DPR Commission VIII urged President Prabowo to declare a national disaster, arguing the scale across three provinces has tragically claimed lives and crippled vital infrastructure beyond local capacities. However, BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto clarified that these are still categorized as provincial-level regional disasters. As of November 30, the disasters have resulted in 442 fatalities and 402 missing persons across the three affected provinces.
