Solok Achieves Fastest Paddy Field Recovery Post-Disaster, Andalas University Observer Cites Four Key Factors
Solok Regency has become the area with the fastest progress in paddy field rehabilitation in West Sumatra following the Sumatra flash floods in November 2025. Data from the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR) shows that by the end of May 2026, approximately 1,484 hectares of light and moderate damage to paddy fields had been rehabilitated, representing 98 per cent of the total damage (around 1,500 hectares). Furthermore, 1,354 hectares, or 91 per cent, have been replanted, with some areas already entering the harvest period.
According to Nursyirwan Effendi, an expert in developmental anthropology and economics from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Andalas University, the rapid recovery in Solok is driven by four key factors. First, Solok farmers possess a drive fuelled by the need to maintain their economic livelihoods. “They embody the theory of rational passion; these are rational farmers. They are no longer farming for subsistence, but for commercial purposes,” Nursyirwan told Tempo on Monday, 1 June 2026. This rationality stems from the fact that rural communities in West Sumatra have long been connected to markets; thus, when disaster strikes, farmers realise their income source is threatened.
The second factor is a long-standing cultural tradition. He noted that the Minangkabau people tend to prefer acting independently rather than waiting for external aid. “Even if they incur debt, it is not without calculation. They have a long-term view regarding their economic existence,” said the professor. An example is Melati, a member of the Sejuk dan Damai Farmers Group in Nagari Salayo, who chose to repair her fields first by securing funds independently so that her land could be replanted immediately.
The third factor is the social character of Solok’s people, which maintains the spirit of ‘gotong royong’ (communal cooperation) at the village level. “In Minang, we know the principle of ‘saciok bak ayam, sadantiang bak basi’ (unity in diversity/solidarity), making it easy to foster togetherness,” he said.
The fourth factor is the support from central and local governments, as well as the Sumatra Post-Dislamster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force, which worked to expedite rehabilitation and the disbursement of aid. “The speed in West Sumatra and Solok indicates stronger momentum from local and central governments, as well as members of the Indonesian Parliament, to accelerate realisation,” he added.
This spirit of cooperation was also demonstrated by the professional teams involved in the Survey, Investigation, and Design (SID) process for damaged fields. Fikri Aulia Rahman, Director of Melber Konsultan, recounted that his team began working in early January 2026, even before contract or payment certainty was established. “We were assisting the Ministry of Agriculture team on the ground. We did not even know if consultants would be utilised, but when the Solok Regency Agriculture Office contacted us for help, we moved immediately,” Fikri said, driven by an emotional bond as a local resident.
Melber Konsultan was tasked with mapping 226 hectares of light damage and approximately 50 hectares of moderate to heavy damage in Kubung District. The 11-person team worked manually without drones. The SID process was completed within about one month by February 2026, a speed that distinguishes Solok from other regions. This was supported by Safaitir, Head of PSP at the Solok Regency Agriculture Office, who stated that the synergy between farmers, heavy equipment owners, and professionals was the deciding factor. “The key is the division of tasks and cooperation with farmers’ groups. Farmers were willing to provide initial capital, and some heavy equipment owners were also willing to assist upfront,” said Safaitir.