Post-flood Logistics Crisis Triggers Minimarket Looting In Sibolga

Hundreds of residents of Sibolga and Central Tapanuli (Tapteng), North Sumatra, looted a number of minimarkets on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

SIBOLGA minimarket looting occurred in Sibolga, North Sumatra, following the scarcity of basic necessities after the flash flood and landslides that paralyzed logistical access. Minimarkets are targeted by residents who are desperate because store stocks are running low and aid has not arrived.

The looting incident occurred on Saturday, November 29. The video circulating widely shows residents crammed out of a minimarket carrying various items, while the road in front of the traffic jam site was full of crowds.

The supply crisis is thought to be the main trigger. Residents admitted that it was increasingly difficult to get baby milk, basic necessities, and diapers, since the disaster hit the area.

Holmen Simanjuntak, one of the residents, said he went to the minimarket to look for his son's milk but did not find it.

"Aid hasn't gone down yet. There are no milk, bread, diapers. Even going to the city, the goods have been looted," he told the video.

He said the condition of transportation exacerbated the situation. Fuel is scarce, so residents are afraid to travel long distances to find necessities. "Bensin is scarce. Afraid of running out on the road," he said.

Scarcity of needs was also reported in Hutabalang, Pandan, and Pinangsori. Photos and videos from the field show minimarket windows being torn apart and the chaos of residents while fighting over goods.

This situation raises concerns about increasing social tensions. Residents urged the government to accelerate the distribution of aid to meet urgent needs such as food, clothing, and baby equipment before the situation worsened.