Prabowo accelerates disaster recovery and development in Sumatra

“Alhamdulillah, within the past few months, many areas in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra have fully recovered, while some still have a few per cent left to go,” Prabowo said at the inauguration of Baitul A’la Jade Mosque in Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh, on Wednesday.

As well as accelerating recovery, the government is preparing measures to anticipate climate change and strengthen regional development, including plans to build a flagship school in Nagan Raya Regency.

Prabowo said the government was preparing a number of strategic measures to address developments and conflicts taking place in various parts of the world.

“We are grateful that our country remains safe. Our economy is strong, with sound fundamentals, and we are self-sufficient in food,” he said.

At the event, the President praised Nagan Raya Regency’s agricultural potential. The area is one of the largest rice-producing centres in northern Sumatra, particularly in Aceh.

He said this potential needed to be supported by better agricultural infrastructure, especially irrigation networks that still require repairs.

“I was told that Nagan Raya is one of the largest rice-producing centres in northern Sumatra, particularly in Aceh. This is remarkable. I was also told that the irrigation needs to be repaired, and we will do so soon. I have instructed the Public Works Minister to get it repaired immediately,” Prabowo said.

The plan is backed by the regency government, which has provided 100 hectares of land for the education facility.

The flagship school is expected to be among the first of its kind in Indonesia, with educational standards equivalent to those of international schools.

Prabowo instructed the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture to follow up on the construction plan as soon as the land is ready.

“I’ll give them 18 months. God willing, it will be finished in 18 months, and 24 months at the latest. Within 24 months, students will already be learning at the school. It will be on a par with international schools overseas,” he said.