House Oversees Progress of North Sumatra Flood and Landslide Recovery

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November 27, 2025 | 08:42 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - House Speaker Puan Maharani expressed concern over the loss of lives from flash floods and landslides that struck several areas in North Sumatra. Puan is urging the government to promptly distribute aid and meet the needs of the displaced communities.

"Every need of the affected communities must become the government's priority. The provision of logistical assistance should not be delayed, and the comfort of the evacuation areas must be ensured," Puan stated in a written statement quoted on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Not only material aid, but Puan also emphasized the need for regional governments and other stakeholders to prepare trauma-healing services for residents. "Natural disasters are never easy to overcome, especially for those who have suffered losses," said the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle politician.

In addressing the impacts of floods and landslides in North Sumatra, Puan cautioned all stakeholders to set aside sectoral egos. She stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination in the ongoing disaster relief efforts, which require evacuating residents.

According to her, this event has halted the activities of the affected communities due to the floods and landslides. She further urged the government to reconstruct severely damaged national roads and bridges with a more resilient system to withstand disasters.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture affirmed that the state's post-disaster responsibility is not only to provide emergency assistance but also to restore vital infrastructure that supports communities' daily activities.

"Damaged national roads and bridges must be prioritized as they facilitate access to education for children whose learning has been delayed and sustain the economic activities of the region," she stated.

She suggested that the government also temporarily relocate schools to ensure the continuity of education. Additionally, Puan requested that the government restore access to markets for farmers and owners of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

Puan assured that the House of Representatives (DPR) will oversee the government's infrastructure development and ensure that every member of the community receives their entitlements. "The House will monitor every meter of road, every child returning to school, and every farmer able to transport their harvest once again," Puan stated.

Several areas in North Sumatra experienced flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall from last Saturday to Tuesday night, November 25, 2025. The high rainfall caused rivers in Central Tapanuli (Tapteng) and South Tapanuli (Tapsel) to overflow, resulting in flash floods. In the Tukka Sub-district, Tapteng, hundreds of residents affected by flash floods were forced to evacuate.

The Head of the North Sumatra Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Tuahta Ramajaya Saragih, stated that seven regencies and cities in North Sumatra were affected by floods and landslides. "As of tonight, the Regional Disaster Management Agency has recorded four residents of Mardame Village, Sitahuis Sub-district, Tapteng Regency, who died due to being buried in landslide material," Tuahta stated on Tuesday night, November 25, 2025.

Flash floods also occurred in Huta Godang, Batangtoru, South Tapanuli (Tapsel). However, according to Tuahta, there have been no reports of casualties from Huta Godang, Tapsel. The connecting road between Tapsel and the Mandailing Natal Regency in Rianite Village, Angkola Sangkunur, has been cut off since last Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.

In addition to Tapteng and Tapsel, floods and landslides also occurred in Mandailing Natal Regency; North Tapanuli (Taput); Nias and Gunung Sitoli, and Sibolga City. In Taput, floods and landslides occurred in Sitolubahal and Robean Villages, Purbatua Sub-district, Taput. The Aek Mahassan River overflowed, submerging around 60 houses. Meanwhile, two landslide points in Robean Village hit two houses, injuring one family.

Sahat Simatupang contributed to this article

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