New Road Opens, BNPB Immediately Installs Tents Ahead Of President Prabowo Subianto's Arrival

JAKARTA - Director of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Planning of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Brigadier General M. Arief Hidayat, S.Sos., MM, straightened out the news that the BNPB tents had just been installed ahead of President Prabowo Subianto's arrival to Aceh Tamiang. According to him, the information is not correct and needs to be explained so that the public understands the situation on the ground properly.

Arief Hidayat emphasized that the Aceh Tamiang area, including Sukajadi Village in Karang Baru District, was one of the areas most severely affected by flash floods and landslides that hit Aceh Province. For several days, this area was completely isolated due to road access covered by floods and mud.

The BNPB fine was installed immediately after the road access to Aceh Tamiang was successfully opened by officers. Not because of President Prabowo Subianto's planned arrival," said Arif in Jakarta, Friday, December 12.

According to him, as long as the route to Aceh Tamiang cannot be passed, logistics cars, tents, and other emergency equipment cannot enter. As soon as land access is opened, the BNPB team immediately moves within hours to set up tents and expand services for residents.

"The proximity of time to the President's agenda makes it seem as if it is related, even though it is not. BNPB moves according to technical conditions and emergency principles, not based on anyone's event," he said.

The Latest Conditions In Aceh Tamiang

On Thursday, December 11, floods were observed in Sukajadi Village, but the thick mud layer was still covering the settlements. This situation makes the mobilization of additional equipment also carried out in stages.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto departed from Soewondo Airbase (Lanud), Medan, to Karang Baru by helicopter at 09.15 WIB. On Friday (12/12/2025), the President directly inspected the affected locations and met the refugees.

President Prabowo, who is wearing a beret safari shirt and a blue hat, visited a health post around the evacuation center. In a touching moment, he was seen mitigating to equalize height to the children sitting in the front row, then shaking and wiping their heads. The gesture illustrates the empathy of the head of state for people who have lost their homes due to the disaster.

BNPB Continues To Strengthen Refugee Services

Arif added, since access was open, basic needs for residents such as food have been better available, while clean water supplies continue to be improved with the regional government and the TNI/Polri.

"Because many refugee points are still difficult to reach, the aid distribution process is carried out in stages. BNPB is grateful for the input of residents and continues to improve services, including the provision of clean water," he said.

He reiterated that the installation of tents by BNPB was purely based on emergency needs and readiness of logistics lines in the field.

"Once the road opens, the team enters. Our priority is simple: the safety and comfort of the affected residents," concluded Arif Hidayat.