Aceh Ulama asks President to declare Sumatra National Disaster Status

Banda Aceh - Aceh ulama asked President Prabowo Subianto to establish a national status for disasters in three provinces in Sumatra, namely Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, so as to open access to international assistance.

"Aceh ulama agreed to ask President Prabowo Subianto to declare the hydrometeorological disaster that hit Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra as a national disaster emergency," said Chairman of the Aceh Ulama Consultative Assembly (MPU), Tgk Faisal Ali, in Banda Aceh, Monday, December 15, reported by ANTARA.

This was conveyed based on the recommendations of the 2025 Aceh Ulama Consultation, as well as a joint prayer for victims of the flood and landslide disasters in Aceh, at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh.

Tgk Faisal said that the determination was considered important to accelerate the handling of victims, the recovery of infrastructure, and to open access to international humanitarian assistance in a coordinated and accountable manner.

In addition, Aceh ulama also encouraged Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (Mualem) to draw up an integrated post-disaster Aceh development roadmap, oriented towards disaster mitigation, environmental recovery, strengthening the community's economy, and protecting educational institutions and houses of worship.

The ulama also encouraged local governments to revise the budget to adjust the needs of flood and landslide handling.

The central government, asked to give serious attention through budgetary support as well as short-term and long-term strategic steps objectively and proportionally according to the level of urgency.

In another recommendation, the ulama emphasized the importance of transparency and trust in the management of humanitarian assistance, as well as law enforcement against environmental destruction perpetrators who contribute to the occurrence of disasters.

For the people of Aceh, it is urged to continue to strengthen social solidarity, maintain media and social ethics in the midst of disasters, and avoid slander and provocation.

Tgk Faisal emphasized that the handover to the central government does not mean despair or not working. But a form of recognition in certain conditions, a major disaster is not able to be handled by the region itself, so it requires the presence and assistance of the center.

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He gave an example, the situation on the ground when a disaster occurs, when the rushing water mixed with rocks and other materials makes the community unable to help each other.

"In such conditions, it is natural for local governments to ask for greater assistance from the central government," said Tgk Faisal.

The cleric, who is familiarly called Lem Faisal, said that the people of Aceh have been repeatedly hit by a terrible disaster. But, in every trial, Allah SWT has bestowed fortitude and inner strength to the people of Aceh to stand up to even the most difficult situations.

He emphasized that the ulama in Aceh would never abandon their community. In every disaster, the ulama are present not only as a prayer caller, but also as a soul enhancer, moral guide, and a bond of solidarity.

Ulama stood with the people in the midst of rubble and tears, reminding that disaster is a test, as well as a call to help each other and strengthen brotherhood.

"Ulama will continue to be with the people and the government of Aceh, both the provincial government and the districts/cities, to help the people in facing disasters," said Lem Faisal.

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