The government is Focusing on Restoring Transportation and Communication Infrastructure

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Several access roads in Aceh, North Sumatera, and West Sumatera remain cut off due to the impact of floods and landslides. In addition to evacuating victims, the government is also focused on restoring transportation and communication infrastructure to expedite the emergency response to the disaster.

The recovery of infrastructure is urgently needed to facilitate mobility and the distribution of logistical assistance. Due to the disruption of land routes, logistical aid to several disaster-affected locations must be delivered via sea and air routes.

The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno, stated that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the mobilization of all national resources to focus on emergency disaster response in Sumatra.

"As quickly as possible, carry out evacuations, deploy logistics, mobilize healthcare personnel, restore communication and transportation infrastructure, and provide on-ground supervision," he stated while leading a coordination meeting for emergency disaster response at Silangit Airport, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, which was broadcast online, Sunday (30/11/2025).

Pratikno explained that the government has expedited evacuation, restored transportation and communication routes, and is working to meet the needs of communities affected by the disaster. In addition to North Sumatra, the government is also strengthening its response and distributing aid to other affected areas in Aceh and West Sumatra.

"The provision of logistics continues to flow from the government as well as non-governmental organizations. At several points, it will continue to increase and will be distributed continuously. Therefore, all national resources are being mobilized to expedite the emergency response and to restore everything promptly," he said.

Pratikno added that, in addition to focusing on emergency disaster response, the government is also preparing rehabilitation and reconstruction scenarios post-disaster. Furthermore, the electricity network needs to be restored promptly.

Infrastructure restoration is urgently needed to facilitate mobility and distribution of logistical aid.

"I've discussed with the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure how to achieve rapid recovery, including temporary housing," he said.

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, hopes that the recovery of transportation infrastructure can be prioritized. This is because there are still many road access points that are cut off.

"Perhaps the Ministry of Public Works should be more proactive in normalizing the damaged roads. Electricity and water have relatively started to recover, but there are still many outages," he said.

Suharyanto stated that to restore the telecommunications network, his team is increasing the assistance of satellite telecommunications networks. The Ministry of Communication and Digital is also working to normalize communication and internet networks.

"We also request that if there is assistance from anywhere, it may be focused on providing portable communication devices or increasing the availability of Starlink (satellite internet)," he explained.

Based on data from BNPB as of Sunday at 16:30, the death toll from the disaster has reached 378 people. Meanwhile, the number of missing persons stands at 325, and there are 641 injured individuals. This disaster has also damaged thousands of houses and more than 100 bridges.

Suharyanto added that the logistics assistance posts are spread across several locations, both in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Logistics warehouses are also available in several districts/cities, which is expected to expedite the distribution of aid.

"Our work still has many shortcomings and weaknesses. To the public, we ask for time. Of course, over time, we assure and promise that this will become better," he said.