JAKARTA – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM WIB, that the devastating floods and landslides across Sumatra have claimed a total of 604 lives. Additionally, 468 individuals remain missing, compounding the gravity of the disaster.
Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB’s Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, provided these updated figures from Jakarta on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The provincial breakdown reveals the severe impact: North Sumatra recorded 283 fatalities and 173 missing persons; Aceh reported 156 deaths and 181 missing; and West Sumatra tragically lost 165 lives with 114 people still unaccounted for. These numbers underscore the urgent need for continued extensive search and rescue operations.
Joint teams, comprising personnel from the BNPB, TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (Indonesian National Police), Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), various ministries and institutions, and local governments, are relentlessly working to accelerate search and rescue efforts, distribute vital logistics, and reopen access to the hard-hit regions. In North Sumatra, the displacement is widespread, with 15,765 individuals taking refuge in North Tapanuli, 2,111 in Central Tapanuli, 1,505 in South Tapanuli, 4,456 in Sibolga City, 2,200 in Humbang Hasundutan, and 7,194 in Mandailing Natal.
Significant progress is being made in restoring connectivity. Efforts to reopen crucial land access routes in several cut-off districts are ongoing. Notably, the Tarutung-Padangsidimpuan route has begun to open, a testament to the collaborative support from the Public Works Agency, TNI, and Polri. This crucial development facilitates the movement of aid and personnel.
Furthermore, the reopening of the Tarutung–Sibolga road access is also underway. This initiative is expected to have a substantial positive impact, not only for the affected communities but also for inter-sectoral ministries and agencies involved in emergency response and recovery efforts. Such progress is vital for ensuring the efficient deployment of resources.
While the first phase of logistics delivery has been successfully completed for Sibolga, Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, and Humbang Hasundutan, reaching 100 percent, distribution to Mandailing Natal, Gunungsitoli City, and South Nias remains severely hampered by persistent challenges with land access. These areas present a significant logistical hurdle requiring innovative solutions to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
To address these access difficulties, air delivery remains a critical solution. Three helicopters from the BNPB and the Indonesian Army are actively deploying essential supplies, including basic necessities, kitchen equipment, fuel, generators, and advanced satellite communication devices like Starlink. Special air sorties are specifically targeting isolated regions such as Sopotinjak and Muara Siabu, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive life-sustaining assistance.
In terms of manpower, 20 BNPB personnel are deployed in North Tapanuli and Central Tapanuli, while TNI/Polri support exceeds 500 personnel across Central Tapanuli and Mandailing Natal. Their coordinated presence is crucial for executing complex search operations and managing the distribution of aid. Both food and non-food logistics continue to be channeled to all affected districts and cities, highlighting a comprehensive relief strategy.
President Prabowo has also extended significant support, providing 33 communication units, 33 generators, 14 LCRs (Landing Craft Rubber), 750 boxes of instant noodles, and 129 tents, all of which have been swiftly distributed to the affected regions. In Aceh, the reported increase in missing persons is attributed to additional reports received from the community, indicating a broader scope of the disaster.
Abdul Muhari further stated that nearly all main routes in Aceh Province are completely cut off, severely restricting movement. However, a limited alternative access route is available through the Awe Geutah Suspension Bridge. Recognizing the urgency, the central government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), is fast-tracking repairs to these vital infrastructure links.
To bolster communication capabilities in isolated areas, BNPB has activated Starlink emergency communication devices in East Aceh, North Aceh, Gayo Lues, Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Lhokseumawe, Bireuen, and Aceh Tamiang. The mobilization of these crucial devices for other regions is still underway, promising improved coordination and information flow during the crisis.
Residents carry aid distributed from a Caracal Helicopter of Air Squadron 8, Atang Sendjaja Air Base, in the isolated area of Nagari Tiku V Jorong, Agam, West Sumatra, Monday (Dec 1, 2025). – (ANTARA FOTO/Iggoy el Fitra)
On Monday, BNPB also facilitated the distribution of logistics aid via sea routes to Lhokseumawe City. Additionally, air distribution was carried out for hard-to-reach areas within Aceh, including Gayo Lues, Aceh Tamiang, and Lhokseumawe, ensuring that no community is left behind due to geographical barriers.
In a proactive measure, Weather Modification Operations (WMO) have been initiated using a Cessna Caravan aircraft. One Cessna 208B Caravan PK-SNP performed three sorties, deploying a total of 1,000 kg of NaCl and 2,000 kg of CaO as seeding material. These operations aim to mitigate further heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of additional flooding.
Meanwhile, in West Sumatra Province, the number of displaced individuals has reached 18,624 households or 122,683 people, with the highest concentrations observed in Pesisir Selatan Regency and Tanah Datar Regency. The sheer scale of displacement highlights the widespread impact of the disaster across the region.
On Monday, a substantial 4 tons of aid were dispatched by BNPB, TNI, and Basarnas to Solok, Agam, and West Pasaman Regencies. This critical assistance package included packaged food, rice, mineral water, raw food materials, mattresses, and essential medicines, addressing immediate needs of the affected population. Sea deliveries were also organized for Nagari Sungai Batang, Tanjung Raya District, Agam Regency, which remains isolated due to blocked road access, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to aid distribution.
BNPB, alongside all relevant stakeholders, continues to work tirelessly and with utmost dedication to accelerate the search for victims, reopen vital access routes, restore essential public services, and meet the basic needs of the affected communities. The comprehensive nature of these efforts underscores a sustained commitment to recovery. Updates on the ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts will be provided regularly to keep the public informed of progress and challenges.
Summary
The devastating floods and landslides across Sumatra have resulted in 604 fatalities and 468 missing individuals, with North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra being the most affected provinces. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, including 122,683 people in West Sumatra alone. Joint teams from various agencies are tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations while also working to distribute vital logistics and reopen access to hard-hit regions.
Significant efforts are underway to restore crucial land routes, with some connectivity already being re-established. However, logistical challenges persist in delivering aid to certain isolated areas, necessitating critical air and sea operations. Emergency communication via Starlink devices and Weather Modification Operations have been deployed to support response efforts and mitigate further risks, as all stakeholders continue to work towards recovery and meeting basic needs.