/data/photo/2025/12/31/6955523f965b3.jpg "Prabowo Defends Minister's Sumatra Flood Visit: Not a Tour")
Prabowo Defends Minister’s Sumatra Flood Visit: Not a Tour
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto justified his ministers' immediate travel to areas affected by recent floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, asserting their visits were...
- Severe flooding and landslides have impacted several regions of Indonesia,prompting a national response.
- Speaking during a meeting with ministers in Aceh tamiang on January 1, 2026, Prabowo Subianto stated that the ministers' presence at the disaster sites was not for "tourism,"...
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Prabowo Subianto Defends Ministers’ Direct Response to Indonesian Disasters
Table of Contents
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto justified his ministers’ immediate travel to areas affected by recent floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, asserting their visits were for crucial decision-making, not mere observation.
Context of the Disaster Response
Severe flooding and landslides have impacted several regions of Indonesia,prompting a national response. The provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been particularly hard hit, requiring immediate attention from government officials. According to Indonesia’s national Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), these disasters have displaced thousands and caused meaningful infrastructure damage.
Prabowo’s Justification for Ministerial Visits
Speaking during a meeting with ministers in Aceh tamiang on January 1, 2026, Prabowo Subianto stated that the ministers’ presence at the disaster sites was not for ”tourism,” but to gather firsthand facts and facilitate effective decision-making. He emphasized the importance of on-the-ground assessment for understanding the scope of the damage and formulating appropriate responses, as reported by Kompas Nasional. prabowo argued that direct observation allows ministers to “see, take notes, [and] understand how to make decisions.”
This statement appears to be a response to potential criticism regarding the cost and logistical challenges of deploying ministers directly to disaster areas. The President’s comments underscore the belief that direct engagement is essential for informed governance during crises.
The President’s comments came alongside a separate expression of concern regarding the materials used for temporary housing for flood victims. Kompas Nasional reported that Prabowo questioned the use of zinc roofing, citing its tendency to overheat in the tropical climate. He urged consideration of alternative, more suitable materials.
This highlights a broader focus on the quality of life for those displaced by the disasters,extending beyond immediate shelter to encompass comfort and well-being.
Indonesia’s Disaster management Framework
Indonesia is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location along the pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate. The BNPB plays a central role in coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The agency works with regional governments and local communities to mitigate risks and provide assistance to affected populations.
Recent years have seen an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Indonesia, attributed in part to climate change. This has placed increasing strain on the country’s disaster management system and underscored the need for proactive measures to build resilience.
| Disaster Type | Frequency (Annual Average) | Affected Population (Annual Average) |
|---|---|---|