Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, recently embarked on a crucial visit to the regions severely impacted by flash floods and landslides, including Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, and Sibolga, on Sunday, November 30. His immediate focus was to assess the extent of the damage and pinpoint critical areas requiring urgent intervention.
During his visit, Pratikno highlighted several pressing issues that demand swift action for effective disaster recovery. These key priorities include the rapid restoration of electricity, ensuring an adequate supply of fuel, and the essential repair of damaged land routes to facilitate aid and connectivity.
Speaking at a press conference in Tapanuli Utara, alongside the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto and the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Pratikno underscored the collaborative effort. “There are several things that are our concern to accelerate this response. We immediately coordinated on electricity restoration, fuel and logistics supply, and of course, the rehabilitation of several land routes,” Pratikno stated, emphasizing the coordinated approach to expedite relief efforts.
Beyond the immediate emergency response, the government is also laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience. Pratikno announced plans to commence the design and construction of both temporary (huntara) and permanent (huntap) housing solutions for the citizens displaced and affected by the catastrophe.
“So, our current focus is emergency response, but simultaneously, we are also beginning to design the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases, including the preparation of temporary and permanent housing,” he explained, indicating a dual strategy addressing both immediate needs and future stability.
It is hoped that the emergency response period will soon conclude, paving the way for communities in the three affected provinces to regain normalcy. The overarching goal is for residents to resume their daily activities and emerge more resilient in the face of future disasters.
“We aim for the community to recover and resume normal activities, becoming more resilient against future disasters. This serves as an invaluable lesson for us all,” Pratikno added, emphasizing the importance of learning and adapting from the current challenges to build a stronger, more prepared society.
Meanwhile, the tragic human toll of the widespread floods and landslides across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh continues to escalate. As of Sunday night, November 30, the confirmed death toll has reached a devastating 442 individuals, with many still unaccounted for.
The latest casualty figures are as follows:
- North Sumatra: 217 fatalities, 209 missing persons
- West Sumatra: 129 fatalities, 118 missing persons
- Aceh: 96 fatalities, 75 missing persons
Summary
Coordinating Minister Pratikno visited areas severely impacted by flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra on November 30 to assess damage and identify critical needs. He prioritized the swift restoration of electricity, fuel supply, and repair of damaged land routes, coordinating these efforts with relevant agencies. The government is simultaneously planning the design and construction of both temporary and permanent housing for displaced citizens.
The ultimate goal is for affected communities to recover, resume normal activities, and develop greater resilience against future disasters. As of November 30, the tragic human toll from the widespread floods and landslides across North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh reached 442 confirmed fatalities, with many individuals still unaccounted for.