Prabowo Praises Government Efforts in Sumatra Disaster Recovery
JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto has expressed appreciation for every element of society in undertaking recovery efforts following floods and landslides in Sumatra.
In particular, Prabowo has also commended the performance and hard work of all personnel, including the Bridge Task Force, which successfully constructed 218 bridges within 2.5 months.
“This demonstrates a swift reaction, responsiveness, and government presence,” Prabowo said during a Cabinet Session held at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Friday (13 March 2026).
“However, all elements, particularly in rehabilitation and reconstruction in disaster-affected areas, have also demonstrated responsiveness, hard work, and significant personal sacrifice,” he added.
“On behalf of the state and nation, and as President, I express my gratitude to all elements who have worked hard,” he said.
He also conveyed high appreciation to Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, who has been serving as Chair of the Task Force for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction following the Sumatra Disaster.
“Minister of Home Affairs, as Chair of the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, please convey my commendation and gratitude to all field personnel who have worked hard,” Prabowo said.
According to data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of 25 February 2026, the number of displaced persons across three provinces has dropped significantly from 2,108,582 to 11,250 people.
“Furthermore, in West Sumatra Province, alhamdulillah there are no more displaced persons in our records. There are no more displaced persons in tents; they have all been accommodated in temporary shelters,” he said in a press statement received by Kompas.com on Friday (27 February 2026).
During the meeting, Tito reported that five villages across two provinces require spatial reconfiguration due to disaster impact: three villages in Aceh and two villages in North Sumatra.
Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, no villages require reconfiguration.
Furthermore, he reported that of 52 affected regencies/cities, 38 have returned to normal conditions.
Three other regencies/cities are approaching normal conditions, whilst 11 areas still require special attention.
Additionally, there are other basic indicators requiring attention, namely fuel filling stations, electricity, local water supply companies, internet, liquefied petroleum gas, waste processing facilities and integrated waste management facilities, waste banks, and river normalisation.
“Previously, there was also the issue of rice fields and plantations that were affected, as well as fishponds and fisheries,” Tito said.