Indonesia accelerates Sumatra disaster recovery and river normalization

The Indonesian government is accelerating the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following devastating floods and landslides in late 2025. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, acting as head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, has directed the Ministry of Public Works to prioritize the normalization of 137 rivers to prevent recurring floods caused by high sedimentation.

While most roads and bridges in the affected regions have returned to functional status through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Public Works, the TNI, and the Polri, several local bridges require further attention due to subsequent flooding. Basic services, including mobile communications and most healthcare facilities, are also recovering, though some health centers in North Sumatra still require intervention.

The government's three-year reconstruction plan, spanning 2026 to 2028, involves 33 ministries and agencies. This initiative follows directives from President Prabowo Subianto to address the impact on over 50 regencies and thousands of villages.