ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — A series of deadly floods and landslides has struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, killing at least 72 people and leaving dozens missing.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) warns that the disaster reflects not only extreme weather conditions triggered by Tropical Cyclone Senyar, but also deep-rooted environmental degradation across Sumatera’s forests and river basins.
North Sumatra Suffers the Highest Death Toll
BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari reported that North Sumatra recorded 57 deaths, with 41 people still missing across several districts hit hardest by flash floods and landslides.
Breakdown by district:
Central Tapanuli: 34 deaths
South Tapanuli: 13 deaths
Pakpak Bharat: 1 death
North Tapanuli: 5 deaths
Humbang Hasundutan: 4 deaths
Images and field reports from Central Tapanuli show massive logs and tree trunks carried downstream, signaling widespread forest disturbance in upstream areas. Experts say the debris is consistent with illegal logging, encroachment, and poor oversight of forest concessions.
Casualties Also Reported in Aceh and West Sumatra
In Aceh, six fatalities were recorded in Bener Meriah and Gayo Lues, while 11 residents remain missing.
West Sumatra reported nine deaths, including victims in Padang City and Padang Pariaman, as entire neighborhoods were inundated and key access roads severed by landslides.
Lawmakers: “This Is a Stark Warning of Severe Forest Damage”
Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IV member Johan Rosihan said the disaster is a clear alarm over worsening forest destruction, calling it a consequence of long-term negligence in environmental governance.
The massive logs swept into settlements, especially in Central Tapanuli, underscore systemic issues, he said—including: Illegal logging, Forest encroachment, Weak supervision of forest areas and Degraded river basin ecosystems.
“This is not merely a natural disaster. This is a stark warning that our forests are in a state of serious decline,” Johan told reporters.
He urged Environment and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to immediately undertake:
A full audit of forest permits and economic activities in affected regions
Strong legal enforcement against illegal logging actors
Forest restoration and river basin rehabilitation based on ecological zoning
Stronger early warning and disaster mitigation systems
Johan also called for fast-tracking the Forestry Bill, emphasizing the need for a structural overhaul in Indonesia’s forest governance.
Government Declares Emergency Status Across Affected Regions
To accelerate response efforts, the Indonesian government has declared an official state of emergency in the affected provinces.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno said the status enables immediate mobilization of national resources, including: Emergency logistics, Heavy machinery, Search and rescue (SAR) teams, Budget adjustments and reallocations.
“With emergency status declared, there are no administrative barriers for the central government to deploy full support. President Prabowo has ordered immediate and serious action,” Pratikno said.
The BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) confirmed that Tropical Cyclone Senyar triggered extreme rainfall, strong winds, floods, and landslides across three provinces.
BNPB and regional governments continue to report expanding infrastructure damage, including collapsed bridges, blocked highways, and isolated communities.
BNPB’s Official Fatality Count
Aceh
6 dead
11 missing
North Sumatra
57 dead
41 missing
West Sumatra
9 dead
A Deepening Environmental Crisis
Environmental experts warn that the disaster is a sign of a larger ecological emergency in Sumatera:
River basins are heavily degraded.
Upstream forests have been overexploited.
Oversight of permits and concessions remains weak.
The deadly floods and landslides have renewed demands for stronger environmental law enforcement, restoration of forest ecosystems, and long-term disaster mitigation.
Authorities continue emergency operations as the region faces a long and challenging recovery ahead.
(AT Network)
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