Sumatra floods: RI Govt vows support for vulnerable groups

hartono · Dec 2, 2025

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Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi interacts with a child at a flood evacuation center at SD Negeri 02 Cupak Tangah, Pauh Subdistrict, Padang City, on Monday, December 1, 2025. (ANTARA/HO-KemenPPPA)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi affirmed the government’s commitment to aid vulnerable groups affected by widespread floods and landslides across Sumatra.

In a statement on Tuesday, Fauzi said the government will continue providing psychological support to help disaster-hit residents cope with trauma and stress during the emergency and recovery periods.

“The state is present to ensure every vulnerable citizen, including women, children, elderly, and disabled, is protected and has their rights guaranteed during the emergency and recovery stages,” Fauzi said.

She made the remarks while accompanying President Prabowo Subianto to a refugee camp in Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatra, on Monday, where displaced residents are still receiving emergency assistance.

During the visit, Prabowo said conditions in flood-affected areas have started to improve, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure and public services disrupted by heavy rains and landslides.

“I have received reports confirming full restoration of electricity in West Sumatra. We are accelerating repairs of water networks and building emergency bridges to support the recovery of public activities,” he said.

The president assured residents that the government will assist in repairing homes damaged by floods and remain committed to serving people in distress during this challenging period.

“We will not let you carry this burden alone. We are all one big family,” Prabowo told displaced residents at the camp, emphasizing solidarity and government support.

He reiterated that his administration will work swiftly to address disaster impacts comprehensively in collaboration with local governments, ensuring coordinated relief and recovery measures nationwide.

“I want all government institutions, central and regional, to continue working responsively to address damage caused by these disasters,” Prabowo stressed, urging efficient coordination across agencies.

Also present during the visit were Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and State-Owned Enterprises Regulatory Agency Head Dony Oskaria, among other officials observing relief efforts.