November 28, 2025 | 01:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno said the Indonesian government has begun cloud-seeding operations in an effort to reduce rainfall over Sumatra, where severe floods and landslides have devastated multiple regions.
“They have already taken off to divert rainfall from the mainland toward the sea. This operation is being carried out alongside efforts to assist victims,” Pratikno said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday, November 28, 2025, as broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
He noted that Tropical Cyclone Senyar, which triggered days of extreme rain over Sumatra, has started to weaken. However, a new system, Tropical Cyclone Koto, has formed in the north.
“We are on alert because of Cyclone Koto. It is still to the north, and we hope it does not move toward Indonesian territory,” he said.
Cyclone Koto could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of Aceh and North Sumatra, further complicating recovery efforts.
Pratikno added that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the acceleration of emergency response measures across Sumatra. The government has deployed four aircraft—three C-130 Hercules planes and one A400M—to deliver large-scale humanitarian aid to three hard-hit provinces.
“Since day one, the President instructed us, together with the military, police, and regional governments, to move quickly. Emergency tents and essential supplies have been sent,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the aircraft are transporting aid to the nearest airports in each affected area, namely Padang in West Sumatra, Silangit Airport in North Sumatra, and Banda Aceh and Lhokseumawe in Aceh.
Additional supplies have continued to arrive in recent days through both military and civilian aircraft.
Teddy added that President Prabowo and senior officials have been in direct contact with local leaders in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Aceh to coordinate disaster response.
Data from these regional heads helped determine the type of aid dispatched on Friday, including 150 tents, 64 rubber boats, generators, power tools, communication devices, ready-to-eat food, and medical teams from both the military and the Ministry of Health.
Floods and landslides have affected multiple regions across Indonesia. In North Sumatra, extreme rainfall since November 25 has triggered severe flooding in Sibolga, North Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, and South Tapanuli.
According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), fast-moving water swept through residential areas, carrying mud, trees, building debris, and household waste.
In Aceh, days of heavy rain have caused widespread flooding in at least nine districts and cities, including Bireuen, Lhokseumawe, East Aceh, Langsa, Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues, Aceh Singkil, North Aceh, and South Aceh.
The Aceh Disaster Management Agency reported that rainfall has remained high since November 18, with floods and landslides worsened by strong winds and fragile geological conditions.
Dian Rahma Fika contributed to the writing of this article.
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