Agam – President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian and other high-ranking officials, personally inspected the impacts of hydrometeorological disasters across several regions in West Sumatra Province on Thursday (18/12/2025). The visit aimed to evaluate the emergency handling, environmental recovery, and fulfillment of basic needs for affected communities, ensuring aid distribution is rapid and on-target.
The presidential entourage began their tour in Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan District, Agam Regency, an area devastated by a flash flood. At the location, President Prabowo observed residential areas buried under mud and debris, and he engaged in direct dialogue with affected residents. This interaction was intended to hear firsthand the challenges faced by the community and to convey the government's solidarity in the recovery process.
The next stop was the Bailey Bridge in Padang Mantuang, 2x11 Kayu Tanam District, Padang Pariaman Regency. This vital access bridge collapsed due to floods and landslides in late November, severely disrupting local transportation connectivity and community activities. The President's inspection here underscored the urgency of restoring critical infrastructure to normalize economic and social mobility.
Read: BNPB Chief Inspects North Aceh Floods, Orders Immediate Borehole Drilling For Clean Water Access
Subsequently, the delegation proceeded to the completely severed National Road in Lembah Anai, Tanah Datar Regency. As a primary artery for the flow of people and goods into and out of West Sumatra, the total damage to this route has significant logistical and economic repercussions. President Prabowo meticulously examined the road condition, cliff structures, and the surrounding disaster-affected area.
During the inspection series, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian reiterated his appreciation for the swift response demonstrated by the West Sumatra Provincial Government led by Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah. He acknowledged the local government's effectiveness in initial disaster management, which was crucial in mitigating the crisis's immediate impacts.
The high-level delegation included several strategic figures, reflecting the national importance of this disaster response. They consisted of State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, BNPB Head Suharyanto, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
This comprehensive field visit signals the new administration's serious commitment to disaster management and infrastructure resilience. President Prabowo's direct leadership in the assessment phase is expected to accelerate follow-up actions, ranging from emergency repairs to long-term rehabilitation planning.
The disaster in West Sumatra serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of hydrometeorological hazards. The government's integrated response, involving multiple ministries and institutions, is deemed essential not only for recovery but also for strengthening mitigation and adaptation strategies to face similar events in the future.