November 28, 2025 | 10:22 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Legislator Hinca Ikara Putra Pandjaitan from North Sumatra, Indonesia, has called on President Prabowo Subianto to declare an official disaster response as severe flooding and extreme weather sweep across the region.
The flooding, part of a pattern of increasingly intense storms linked to climate change in Southeast Asia, has inundated homes, disrupted infrastructure, and left communities struggling to cope with emergency conditions.
“I believe the President must declare a disaster response immediately. This is a humanitarian issue,” Hinca said in a statement posted on the official DPR website on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Hinca, who has been monitoring affected areas over the past three days—from Toba Raya, Tapanuli Tengah, Sibolga, and Nias to Medan—described the severity of the floods. “For the past three days, I have been constantly in touch with family and friends. Floodwaters have entered homes, reaching above knee level,” he said.
The legislator highlighted the challenges facing residents and emergency teams. Flooding has been compounded by power outages, disrupted communications, and blocked roads.
“We cannot make contact because communication channels are down and electricity is out,” Hinca explained.
He added that he has been coordinating with the state electricity company PLN, which is working to restore power amid the disaster. Hinca urged the government to prioritize rescue efforts without being slowed by administrative procedures. “
Humanity comes first. The state must act to save its citizens immediately, regardless of risks or consequences,” he said.
The extreme weather has triggered floods and landslides across several cities and regencies in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), reported that swift floodwaters have inundated homes and carried vehicles and infrastructure along with debris.
“The water flow has also transported mud, tree trunks, building rubble, and household waste,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Road access in several areas has been cut off, and electricity and communication networks remain disrupted due to the disaster.
Sultan Abdurrahman contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Sibolga Mayor Reportedly Out of Contact Amid North Sumatra Floods
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Gov't Sends Four Aircraft to Aid Flood-Stricken Areas in Sumatra
7 menit lalu
The Indonesian government dispatched four aircraft to assist with natural disaster relief in three affected provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Sibolga Mayor Reportedly Out of Contact Amid North Sumatra Floods
1 jam lalu
This event occurred amidst the flood and landslide disasters that hit Sibolga, North Sumatra, at the end of November.
Floods, Landslides Damage Bridges and Water Facilities in Sumatra
2 jam lalu
The Ministry of Public Works is continuing to identify the damage caused by the floods and landslides in Sumatra.
Tropical Cyclone Senyar Weakens, While Koto Persists
3 jam lalu
Tropical Cyclone Koto is moving further away from Indonesia but still triggers the potential for extreme rainfall in the Riau Islands.
What Diseases Running Rampant During Floods?
10 jam lalu
Be cautious of these 10 diseases that are the most risky during a flood situation.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution Declares Disaster Emergency Status Following Fatal Floods
12 jam lalu
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has officially declared a state of disaster emergency after floods and landslides hit 14 regencies and cities.
Floods and Landslides Kill at Least 12 in West Sumatra as Extreme Weather Persists
12 jam lalu
High-velocity floodwater struck houses along the banks of Minturun River.
Prabowo Calls for Ministries' Swift Handling of Natural Disasters
14 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has urged his ministers to swiftly coordinate the handling of disaster-struck regions.
Indonesia Defers National Disaster Status for Sumatra Floods
15 jam lalu
The extreme weather has caused widespread floods and landslides across three provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
5 Electricity Towers Collapse Due to Aceh Floods, Crippling 18 Regions
15 jam lalu
The Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA) recorded that as of November 26, floods had struck nine regencies/cities, including Bireuen and Aceh Utara.
