East Jakarta, December 23, 2025 — Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has issued a formal apology to communities in Sumatra reeling from recent floods and landslides, admitting the government’s initial response and recovery efforts fell short of expectations. The acknowledgment comes as residents continue to grapple with displacement and infrastructure damage.
Disaster Response Under Scrutiny in Sumatra
The Indonesian Vice President apologized for shortcomings in the government’s response to devastating floods and landslides.
- Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka apologized for the government’s disaster response.
- Road connectivity is being restored in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
- Repairs to the Padang–Bukittinggi road are nearing completion.
- The government pledges to accelerate recovery efforts and improve future responses.
“On behalf of the government, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all affected residents, and I sincerely apologize if there have been shortcomings in the post-disaster response process,” Gibran stated in a written statement released Monday, December 22, as reported by Katadata.co.id. The apology signals a willingness to address criticisms surrounding the speed and effectiveness of aid delivery.
Q: What is the Indonesian government doing to help those affected by the Sumatra floods and landslides?
A: The government is prioritizing the safety and well-being of affected residents, focusing on providing basic necessities, restoring damaged infrastructure, and initiating rehabilitation and reconstruction programs. They are also working to reconnect transportation routes.
Gibran, the eldest son of former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of those impacted, including the swift provision of essential supplies and the long-term rebuilding of communities. “I assure you that the government will continue to make every possible effort to accelerate and improve disaster response operations in the field,” he added.
Roads Reopening, But Challenges Remain
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno announced Friday, December 19, 2025, that significant progress has been made in restoring road access across the affected provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, though some routes remain partially operational.
In Aceh, key road sections have reopened, including Lhokseumawe–Langsa, Langsa–Kuala Simpang, Kuala Simpang–the North Sumatra border, and the KKA road connecting Bener Meriah Regency and Takengon. Access has also been restored via the Awe Bridge in Awe Geutah and Teupin Reudeup, as well as the Aceh Tenggara–Gayo Lues route and the Banda Aceh–Aceh Tengah corridor through Beutong Ateuh. “Repairs are continuing to further improve traffic flow,” Pratikno said during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta.
North Sumatra has largely regained inter-regional connectivity between Padang Sidempuan, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and Mandailing Natal, although landslides and road subsidence continue to pose challenges in certain areas.
West Sumatra is seeing substantial progress on the national Padang–Bukittinggi road via the Anai Valley, with repairs approximately 90 percent complete. The Padang Pariaman–Agam route via Malalak is also largely accessible, though further work is needed at several points.
The focus now shifts to ensuring the long-term resilience of infrastructure and improving the speed and effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms across the region. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed local authorities’ guidance as recovery efforts continue.
