FWK Urges Government To Form A Special Agency For Rehabilitation Of The Sumatra Disaster

JAKARTA - The National Journalists Forum (FWK) urges President Prabowo to form a special agency to handle post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"The president needs to immediately form a Sumatra Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency such as the Aceh-Nias BRR first," said FWK Coordinator, Raja Pane, during a Reboan Discussion at the VOI office, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/12/2025).

The ecological disaster in the form of floods and landslides that hit the three provinces has lasted more than two weeks. Field reports show severe damage to infrastructure, settlements, and public facilities. As a result, people's social and economic life is paralyzed.

Former Deputy Chairman of the Press Council, Hendry Ch Bangun, emphasized that recovery takes years and a big cost. "This cannot be handled by ordinary institutions. There must be a special body that focuses on it," he said.

Raja Pane gave an example of the Aceh-Nias BRR (20052009) which succeeded in rebuilding schools, houses, roads, and post-tsunami ports. He considered that a similar pattern needed to be repeated.

Economic losses due to disasters in Sumatra are estimated to reach tens of trillions of rupiah. BNPB and the Ministry of PUPR noted that at least IDR 50 trillion was needed only to restore residential areas.

A number of areas are still isolated. In Bireuen, Aceh, for example, the Kreung Tingkeum Bridge was completely cut off. "Logistics lines and activities of residents are paralyzed," said Raja.

Educational activities have not yet recovered. Many schools are damaged and students cannot learn.

AR Loebis, a senior journalist and environmental observer, hopes that this disaster will be a momentum for forest function recovery. "Take firm action against forest destroyers," he said.

FWK reminded that the formation of this agency should not be trapped in political rhetoric. Handling must be concrete, fast, and transparent. If the government is slow, what happens is not only stagnation of development, but also a crisis of public trust.