President Prabowo Reaffirms State’s Support for Disaster-hit Residents

President Prabowo Subianto completes a series of working visits to areas affected by floods and landslides in North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra provinces, Monday (12/1). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Monday (12/1) concluded a series of working visits to areas affected by floods and landslides in the provinces of North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra.

During the visit, which lasted from morning until afternoon, President Prabowo personally inspected evacuation posts and damaged infrastructure, and engaged in dialogues with thousands of affected residents to ensure that emergency response was swift and effective.

During inspections to disaster affected areas, the President urged the acceleration of logistics distribution, restoration of access to isolated areas, and construction of emergency routes to damaged vital infrastructure. The Government also deploys air and sea fleets to reach remote locations.

In his press statement after visiting the evacuation post in Padang Pariaman, the President provided the latest updates on the ground conditions, which he said have shown significant improvement.

“Alhamdulillah, I have just met with evacuees in Padang. I believe all roads in Padang are beginning to open. Land routes are accessible, although many bridges are damaged. Electricity has been restored to almost 100 percent. Water supply network starts to be repaired,” the President said.

On that occasion, the Head of State underscored that restoring basic infrastructure and public services are the Government’s top priority in the initial phase of disaster management.

According to him, all parties are currently working swiftly to bring the regions back to normal.

“So, we are gradually returning everything to normal. We are taking inventory of all damages. Then we will arrange how to rehabilitate them so that residents can return to living their normal lives,” the President stated.

Besides West Sumatra province, the President also visited other affected areas in Aceh and North Sumatra provinces.

During each visit, the President ensured the distribution of logistics assistance as well as the provision of health services and air assets to reach isolated areas. He also emphasized that air assets are the primary means of reaching communities in these zones.

“There are still some isolated areas. We  have to reach them by air. We can break through everything by air,” the President remarked.

The Head of State also expressed his appreciation for dedicated efforts of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), local governments, volunteers, and community members who have worked together in evacuation efforts and aid distribution.

For the record, President Prabowo’s series of visits to Sumatra demonstrates the Government’s commitment to being always present and standing with the people in times of disaster. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RIF/MMB)