Prabowo allocates US$240,000 to each disaster-hit district as Sumatra flood recovery intensifies

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has authorised Rp 4 billion (US$240,000) for each of the 52 districts and cities affected by severe flooding and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

According to Tempo and Antara News, the allocation is intended to support urgent humanitarian needs and stabilise regional disaster response.

The decision came after a briefing by Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian during a coordination meeting in Aceh on Sunday, 7 December 2025.

Tito reported that unexpected-expenditure budgets were nearly exhausted at the end of the fiscal year, limiting the ability of districts to respond promptly.

Tito highlighted shortages of essential supplies, particularly items needed by babies and women.

Although the central government had delivered food, fuel, and basic commodities, districts lacked the funds for smaller but immediate necessities.

Inter-regional support had contributed roughly Rp 34 billion (US$2.1 million), including assistance equivalent to Rp 3 billion (US$187,000) for Lhokseumawe.

However, Tito explained that some districts were operating with only Rp 300 million (US$4,700) to Rp 75 million (US$19,000) in emergency reserves, far below requirements.

Tito requested central support of Rp 2 billion (US$120,000) per district. Prabowo responded by doubling the proposal, announcing that each district and city would instead receive Rp 4 billion (US$240,000).

Prabowo also requested separate calculations for provincial-level needs.

According to Tempo’s reporting, he committed an additional Rp 20 billion (US$1.25 million) for the most severely affected province and instructed North Sumatra’s governor to meet him directly regarding the final figures.

Significant damage to public facilities has complicated recovery. Tempo reported Tito’s briefing that many sub-district and village offices had suffered severe structural damage, resulting in the loss of identity documents, educational certificates, land titles, and vehicle records.

Tito proposed waiving fees for reissuing these documents. He noted that identity cards under the Ministry of Home Affairs were already free to replace and advised similar measures for education, vehicle, and land documentation.

Prabowo approved the recommendation, directing relevant agencies to make the necessary adjustments so that affected residents would not face financial burdens.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that 975,000 people had been displaced across the three provinces as of 7 December 2025.

The scale of displacement illustrates the magnitude of the humanitarian and logistical challenges that regional governments are facing.

During the meeting, Prabowo emphasised the need to support frontline leaders. According to Antara News, he described regional officials as “the foremost commanders”, responsible for delivering fast and effective relief.

As recovery continues, the newly allocated funds are expected to support emergency supplies, temporary shelters, and administrative restoration.

Further assessments will determine additional provincial allocations and reconstruction priorities over the coming months.

According to the Indonesian Oil Palm Farmers Union (SPKS), Prabowo’s statements may undermine efforts to meet sustainability standards required by major markets, including the European Union.

As Aceh continues recovery from recent flooding, debate over land governance, concession oversight, and national agricultural policy is expected to intensify.

Environmental advocates argue that decisions taken now will shape both ecological resilience and rural livelihoods for decades.

According to BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto, as reported in Kompas TV’s breaking news coverage, the disaster across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra has caused 921 deaths, 392 missing persons, and 975,079 displaced residents as of Sunday, 7 December 2025.

He added that Aceh alone recorded 366 deaths, 97 missing persons, and 914,202 displaced residents, figures he presented directly to President Prabowo Subianto during the Sumatra disaster-management meeting.