TAPANULI UTARA – The National Police Chief convened a high-level coordination meeting with the North Sumatra Provincial Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) on November 30, 2025, at the North Sumatra Provincial National Support Post. This crucial gathering aimed to strategize and map out emergency responses to the natural disasters that have impacted the provinces of North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra.
The comprehensive meeting saw the participation of key figures, including the Head of the North Sumatra National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Head of the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and a host of regional police chiefs, attending both in person and virtually. The collective presence underscored the urgency and gravity of the situation, focusing on a unified approach to disaster management across the affected regions.
During the pivotal session, the National Police Chief delivered a clear and emphatic message: all stakeholders must actively participate in disaster handling. He stressed the imperative for seamless collaboration, stating, “In situations like this, no one should operate in isolation. All elements must move swiftly, be thoroughly coordinated, and ensure their efforts are precisely targeted.” This directive highlighted the necessity of a cohesive, multi-agency effort to provide effective relief to those impacted.
Following this call for unity, several strategic decisions were swiftly implemented. These included the immediate mobilization of logistics via both air and land routes, the establishment of dedicated rescue and emergency service posts, and the deployment of field kitchens and medical services to affected areas. Furthermore, a zonal system was reactivated to ensure the optimal readiness and deployment of personnel across all critical regions, enhancing response capabilities.
Reinforcing the commitment to prompt assistance, the National Police Chief reiterated, “We are dedicated to ensuring a rapid response. Citizens must not be left waiting for an undue amount of time to receive vital aid.” This assurance underscored the government’s priority in delivering timely humanitarian support and ensuring no affected individual is overlooked in the relief efforts.
In line with these directives, regional police forces were instructed to establish joint command posts in every affected district. These posts are tasked with maintaining active communication channels and meticulously identifying isolated areas where access remains challenging. The North Sumatra Regional Police Chief reported a total of 503 disaster incidents recorded since November 24, with the highest concentration of isolated points located in Central Tapanuli Regency.
To address the challenge of reaching remote communities, the North Sumatra Regional Police Chief confirmed, “We have deployed both helicopters and logistics trucks to access 70 identified isolated locations.” He further detailed that 19 regional police units have successfully set up field kitchens, providing essential sustenance to displaced populations. Additionally, 25 integrated public service centers have been repurposed to bolster the provision of basic necessities for the affected communities, demonstrating a flexible and responsive approach to the crisis.
Ongoing coordination remains robust among the National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and local governments. This collaboration extends to critical operations such as the airdropping of logistics into hard-to-reach areas and the urgent restoration of vital infrastructure, including communication networks, electricity, and other fundamental services essential for community recovery and daily life.
“Our foremost priority is to ensure that no citizen falls beyond the reach of our assistance,” affirmed the National Police Chief, Sigit, emphasizing a comprehensive and inclusive approach to disaster relief. Through this robust cross-sector synergy, it is anticipated that aid will reach affected communities more swiftly, victims will receive optimal care, and the recovery process can commence as quickly as possible. The public is also urged to remain vigilant against potential follow-up disasters and to strictly adhere to official instructions issued by authorized agencies for their safety.
Summary
The National Police Chief led a high-level coordination meeting with North Sumatra’s Regional Leadership Coordination Forum on November 30, 2025, to strategize emergency responses to natural disasters impacting North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra. Key figures from disaster management agencies and regional police attended, underscoring the urgent need for a unified approach. The Police Chief emphasized seamless collaboration, stating that all stakeholders must move swiftly, be thoroughly coordinated, and ensure efforts are precisely targeted for a rapid response.
Following this, strategic decisions were implemented, including mobilizing logistics, establishing rescue posts, and deploying field kitchens and medical services. North Sumatra has recorded 503 disaster incidents since November 24, with helicopters and trucks deployed to 70 identified isolated locations. Ongoing robust coordination among Polri, TNI, BPBD, and local governments ensures aid delivery, infrastructure restoration, and comprehensive support reaches all affected citizens promptly.