ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — A deepening humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Sumatra as more than 4,000 households in Bayang Utara, Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra, remain completely cut off for 13 consecutive days following massive floods and landslides that struck on December 2, 2025.
The situation has deteriorated further with the regional death toll rising to 916, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Access Severed, Aid Can Only Be Delivered by Air
Lisda Hendrajoni, Head of the Special Visit Team of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, described Bayang Utara as a “critical zone.” Roads have collapsed, bridges have been swept away, and no land routes remain passable.
“Reaching the area is only possible by air. Aid is available, but delivering it without helicopters is extremely difficult,” Lisda said during her on-site inspection on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Relief volunteers are being forced to trek up to 32 kilometers on foot to deliver food supplies to the most remote settlements. The harsh terrain has severely slowed aid distribution as thousands of residents face worsening shortages.
Pesisir Selatan Regent, AKBP (Ret.) Hendrajoni, confirmed that widening ground fissures are now threatening 23 homes housing 1,336 people, raising concerns of additional landslides.
Growing Pressure for National Disaster Status
Given the scale of the crisis, Commission VIII is urging the central government to immediately declare the catastrophe a national disaster—a status that would unlock rapid deployment of personnel, helicopters, heavy equipment, and large-scale logistics support.
“Being trapped for two days may still be manageable, but two weeks without adequate supplies is extremely dangerous. This cannot continue,” Lisda stressed.
Commission VIII has also pledged further logistical support in cooperation with BNPB, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and other national agencies.
Death Toll Reaches 916 as Residents Struggle to Survive with Limited Clean Water
Across Sumatra and Aceh, the floods and landslides driven by a tropical cyclone have resulted in 916 confirmed deaths, with hundreds more reported missing. Health risks are sharply rising as survivors face severe shortages of clean water.
Some residents have resorted to boiling floodwater to drink.
President Prabowo: Aid Flowing, But Severe Challenges Remain
President Prabowo Subianto stated that conditions are gradually improving after his visits to several disaster sites and the deployment of additional national assistance.
However, field reports indicate that many communities remain unreached due to widespread infrastructure destruction.
Deforestation Blamed for Worsening Floods; Dozens of Companies Under Audit
Environmental groups argue that large-scale deforestation has significantly amplified the severity of the disaster. Activists are demanding government investigations into companies accused of aggressive land clearing over recent years.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment has begun reviewing environmental permits for all companies operating in the Batang Toru Watershed. Two firms are now under special scrutiny after aerial surveys revealed strong indications of ecosystem damage linked to the flooding.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry announced plans to revoke dozens of forest-use permits, covering 750 hectares, if violations are confirmed. (AT Network)
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