Cabinet Secretary: Gov’t Delivers Swift Response to Sumatra Disasters from Day One

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya delivers a statement at the Integrated Disaster Management Command, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Friday (12/19). Photo by: The BPMI of Presidential Secretariat.

The Government has acted swiftly since the first day of disasters in Aceh province, North Sumatra province, and West Sumatra province, according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

The Cabinet Secretary delivered the statement during a press conference at the Integrated Disaster Management Command, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Friday (12/19).

The statement was issued in response to opinions suggesting that the Government was slow in responding to the disaster. According to Cabinet Secretary, the rainfall occurred from November 24 to 26, 2025, with the peak on November 25 and 26. From the first day, all stakeholders on the ground, including the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and regional offices of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), had been mobilized to carry out emergency response, without any media coverage.

“On the ground, all personnel of the TNI, the Polri, the Basarnas, and regional offices of the BNPB, as stated by the Commander, were already working from the very first second, the first day, without any news coverage,” Cabinet Secretary said.

On the same day, President Prabowo Subianto immediately contacted and communicated with several affected regional leaders. The President also ordered Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno to coordinate the mobilization of all stakeholders.

“The President instructed Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture to mobilize all available resources, to mobilize everything we have, directly to the affected areas,” the Cabinet Secretary stated.

He also stated that on November 27, 2025, all helicopters stationed on Sumatra, along with helicopters and aircraft from Java, were deployed to the affected areas to transport logistics and power generators from state electricity company PLN. Around 20,000 personnel from the TNI and Polri, and community members, were mobilized to conduct evacuations and emergency response, without any media coverage, he added.

On November 30, road and electricity access in 52 affected regencies began to be gradually restored. The disaster relief was made possible thanks to joint efforts involving the Government and local communities.

“All of us, including local residents, worked together to reconnect the roads. PLN personnel carried equipment in the middle of heavy rain, in mountainous areas, and so on, without cameras. I would like to emphasize that we must help and support each other,” Cabinet Secretary said.

He further stated that President Prabowo had visited the affected areas starting on the fifth day and repeatedly traveled to Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, including to locations with the most difficult access.

“From the first day, from the very first second, the Government and the people have worked tirelessly, evacuating residents, and finding ways to ensure that recovery happens as quickly as possible,” he remarked.

Amid the challenging geographical conditions, the Government has never been absent. The state has been present from the very beginning, working quietly, and standing with the people during their most difficult moments. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RI/MUR)