Following Pidie Jaya Floods, BNPP Emphasises Importance of Permanent River Embankments

During a recent inspection, Police Commissioner General Makhruzi highlighted several serious impacts resulting from the floods, ranging from river siltation caused by the accumulation of mud, waste, and wood debris, to limited access to clean water and sub-optimal drainage systems. He noted that these conditions are exacerbated by repeated subsequent flooding.

“Access routes within the villages are still buried under mud. We have been asked to assist in reopening these routes, and indeed, since the initial disaster, there have been approximately ten subsequent floods,” stated Police Commissioner General Makhruzi in a written statement on Friday (5/6/2026). “This certainly increases the workload for the recovery efforts.”

Commissioner General Makhruzi also emphasised the importance of long-term solutions through the strengthening of flood control infrastructure. According to him, shallow riverbanks and breached embankments are the primary causes of the recurring floods. “We hope this becomes a shared concern with the Ministry of Public Works. While soil excavated from residents’ homes can temporarily serve as emergency embankments, permanent embankments must be constructed in the future to ensure these villages are truly safe,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that the BNPP has provided concrete support for post-disaster handling in Pidie Jaya Regency. This support includes cleaning public roads, reopening access routes blocked by mud, and clearing waste and flood debris. This field inspection follows direct instructions from the Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as the Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) for Sumatra, to ensure that post-disaster handling in affected areas is integrated, rapid, and precisely targeted.

In its implementation, the BNPP has deployed heavy machinery, including excavators and dump trucks, and has involved local residents as workers. Additionally, further support involving the operation of excavators and dump trucks for five days, as well as the use of wood-cutting machinery, has been prepared to accelerate the recovery process. In closing, Police Commissioner General Makhruzi reaffirmed the BNPP’s commitment to continuous synergy with relevant ministries, agencies, local governments, and the community to support the accelerated post-disaster recovery in Pidie Jaya Regency.