TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Mayor of North Sumatran city of Sibolga, Akhmad Syukri Nazry, has been found after being reported missing during the recent floods and landslides that have been hitting the region since November 25. This was confirmed by the Chair of the Regional Board of the NasDem Party in Aceh, Bachtiar Ahmad Sibarani.
Bachtiar was finally able to get in touch with Syukri after three nights of unsuccessful phone calls. "I managed to have a video call. I used Starlink, internet via satellite," said Bachtiar when contacted on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Bachtiar mentioned that the Mayor of Sibolga had suffered injuries to his legs after insisting on traveling amidst extreme weather from Medan to Sibolga.
"He (Syukri) returned on foot on Tuesday and only arrived on Friday. He's injured," said Bachtiar, adding that the mayor has received medical treatment.
But he said the Sibolga Mayor opted to be treated at his official residence. "I suggested he go to the hospital. But Syukri said the hospital services should be prioritized for the people," he said.
During his time stranded in the forest, Syukri was accompanied by his aide, he said. On the way, the Mayor of Sibolga received help from the local communities.
Bachtiar himself did not inquire further about how Syukri managed to survive being stranded along the flood-struck roads. He expressed his gratitude that his fellow NasDem Party member was able to return safely.
Bachtiar recounted that since heavy rain hit the North Sumatra region, he had advised Syukri against returning to Sibolga. But the mayor insisted.
"At night, he received news that Sibolga was hit by torrential rain. He immediately thought of returning, and I tried to dissuade him," he said.
During his journey back, the road access was affected by the disaster. Syukri had informed Bachtiar that he was trapped at the border between Tapanuli Utara and Tapanuli Tengah.
However, at that time, Syukri could not communicate further as the signal in that area was cut off, until today, said Bachtiar.
Sibolga is one of several areas in North Sumatra that were struck by floods and landslides. Based on the data from the North Sumatra Disaster Management Agency, the areas that have been worst hit by floods and landslides are Tapanuli Tengah and Tapanuli Selatan.
Additionally, floods and landslides have also struck the districts of Mandailing Natal, Tapanuli Utara, Nias, and the city of Gunung Sitoli.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported at least 116 casualties, with dozens still missing. The breakdown of casualties due to the disasters in North Sumatra is as follows: 11 in Tapanuli Utara, 47 in Tapanuli Tengah, 32 in Tapanuli Selatan, 17 in Sibolga, 6 in Humbang Hasundutan, 2 in Pakpak Bharat, and 1 in Padang Sidempuan.
Ervana Trikarinaputri has contributed to the writing of this article.
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