KBRN, Jakarta: Several areas on the island of Sumatra have been hit by floods, flash floods, and landslides at the end of 2025. In response to the impact that caused casualties and damage to infrastructure in five districts/cities in North Sumatra, the government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), immediately declared a state of emergency and accelerated its response.

The head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, during a press conference while on a working visit to Lumajang Regency, East Java, on Wednesday (11/26/2025), conveyed the latest situation regarding the disaster in Sumatra. "Rainfall in various areas has been moderate to heavy. Just yesterday, five districts/cities in North Sumatra experienced flooding, landslides, and flash floods," he said.

The central government responded quickly to the emergency status declared by local leaders. A BNPB team led by Deputy IV for Emergency Response arrived in North Sumatra via Silangit Airport, bringing basic necessities for the affected communities.

The head of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, emphasized that the central government is present and moving quickly to handle the disaster. He said that President Prabowo Subianto has been monitoring the situation since the incident. “I myself have been instructed by President Prabowo Subianto through the Cabinet Secretary. Since last night, even since the incident, he has been asking about the situation on the ground, and of course we are reporting it continuously,” Suharyanto stated.

The priority steps taken are to coordinate with BPBD, TNI/Polri, and local governments to open blocked roads, especially on the route from Sibolga to Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Tarutung, which are targeted to return to normal within one to two days. Additionally, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will deploy one Airbus helicopter to assist with evacuation and mobility, as well as send one fixed-wing Caravan aircraft for Weather Modification Operations (TMC) to reduce rainfall intensity.

In addition to North Sumatra, the BNPB also reported flooding in West Sumatra, particularly in Agam Regency, Padang Pariaman, and Padang City. The BNPB's Chief Secretary has traveled to the location to hold a coordination meeting, although the impact in that area is relatively lighter. Currently, the main focus of emergency response efforts remains on North Sumatra.