President Prabowo Orders Extra Emergency Equipment to Strengthen National Disaster Preparedness

President Prabowo Subianto directed the strengthening of disaster preparedness in various regions of Indonesia.

During a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, on Monday (11/09), the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Kristomei Sianturi presented the latest updates on ongoing disasters and the readiness of facilities and equipment to handle potential flooding.

On that occasion, BNPB noted that flooding occurred in 12 districts/cities between October 24 and November 8. Seven areas have receded, while five districts still require attention, namely Pidie Jaya regency in Aceh province; Langkat, Deli Serdang, and Serdang Bedagai regencies in North Sumatra province; and Lumajang regency in East Java province.

“These five regions encompass 22 sub-districts and 11,404 families. The greatest impact was in Pidie Jaya regency with 4,969 families affected, followed by Langkat regency with 3,157 families affected,” BNPB Head stated.

BNPB has also mapped potential disasters through November 11, 2026. Across six provinces, three sub-districts are on alert and 74 are on standby. The three areas on alert are in West Aceh, Southwest Aceh, and Central Aceh regencies.

In response to these conditions, BNPB has briefed the President on the readiness of mitigation equipment and supplies. The Head of State has ordered an increase in management stocks to ensure that community needs are met immediately during an emergency.

“The President instructed us to increase emergency supplies [in anticipation of disasters in Indonesia, including] emergency cots, tents, generators, rubber boats, blankets, and water purifiers,” he added.

In addition to flooding, BNPB is also monitoring several other incidents, including an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara province, extreme weather in several areas, and landslides in Badung regency, Bali province. Volcanic activity is also being continuously monitored as part of national preparedness.

Strengthening equipment readiness and monitoring vulnerable areas are part of the Government’s efforts to ensure a swift response when disasters occur, especially during the peak of the rainy season. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/AW)