President Prabowo Leads Limited Meeting on Disaster Mitigation, Recovery in Sumatra Island

After directly inspecting several disaster-affected areas in Aceh province, President Prabowo Subianto chairs a limited meeting on disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery measures for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces, Sunday (12/07). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Cahyo)

Following his inspection to disaster-affected areas in Aceh province, President Prabowo Subianto Sunday (07/12), at the Aceh National Disaster Management Support Post located at Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, Aceh Besar regency, chaired a limited meeting on disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery measures in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces.

“Today is my second visit, and earlier, I, together with the Governor of Aceh and several officials, observed conditions in Bireuen firsthand. I observed the construction of the Bailey Bridge, which is currently being carried out by Ministry of Public Works with support from the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI). I saw that the work is progressing well. Hopefully, it will be operational within a week, allowing other bridges to begin opening,” President Prabowo said in his remarks.

On that occasion, the President underscored the importance of speed, accuracy, and consistency of actions from all government elements to ensure the safety and recovery of affected residents.

President Prabowo urged the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and local governments to continue strengthening integrated operations, particularly in accelerating aid distribution, ensuring regional security, and restoring connectivity between regions disrupted by the disaster.

The President reiterated that conditions in several disaster-affected areas are indeed serious based on the field reports he had received.

According to the President, many rice fields suffer extensive damage, potentially disrupting local food production. In addition, several dams, both large and small, had collapsed, directly affecting irrigation systems.

“Then, I received reports indicating that the situation is indeed quite concerning, with many rice fields severely affected,” the President said, adding that several dams, both large and small, had collapsed, affecting crucial irrigation systems.

President Prabowo went on to say that governors and regents had reported extensive damage to housing and a need for Government assistance in reconstruction, which he affirmed would become a key priority in post-disaster recovery efforts.

“Governors and regents also reported that we need to assist in rebuilding a considerable number of homes. Overall, I see our efforts as extensive and responsive, although challenges remain in several areas due to natural conditions that must continue to be taken into account,” President Prabowo remarked.

The Head of State acknowledged that such challenges persist in certain locations, particularly those affected by natural factors that require ongoing vigilance.

Nevertheless, the Government will continue to ensure that the response is implemented in a gradual, measured, and sustainable manner to accelerate the recovery of people’s lives. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/MMB)