President Prabowo urges quicker disaster response in regions

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged relevant ministries and agencies to accelerate disaster response efforts following a series of natural disasters affecting several regions in the country.Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto delivered the remarks after attending a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Thursday.“The President called for swift coordination and synergy among relevant ministries for priority programs, the year-end situation, and rapid disaster handling,” he said.He explained that the instruction was issued in anticipation of increased rainfall and the heightened potential for hydrometeorological disasters toward the end of the year.Sugiarto affirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had deployed special teams to several disaster-prone regions, including North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.“According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, November is indeed the peak of the rainy season,” he noted.He added that his ministry continues to conduct intensive monitoring and coordination based on reports from the regions.The deputy minister emphasized that fast and coordinated action among ministries and agencies is essential to ensure effective disaster management, particularly during periods of extreme weather.Hydrometeorological disasters, including floods and landslides, have recently struck various parts of Indonesia, especially in Aceh and North Sumatra, following episodes of exceptionally high rainfall.In Aceh, nine districts and cities have declared a disaster emergency status, with Langsa City among the worst-affected areas, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.In North Sumatra, at least 13 districts and cities are experiencing widespread impacts from hydrometeorological events, prompting urgent response efforts from local authorities.The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has also issued early warnings for extreme weather in other provinces, including West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and several regions in Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, forecasting heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.