Aceh Governor Urges Entrepreneurs Not To Increase Food Prices In The Midst Of Disasters

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf reminded entrepreneurs and basic necessities traders not to raise prices to take advantage of strangling residents in the midst of disasters.

The man who is akrap called Mualem emphasized that he will take legal action against retail or supermarket outlets that sell basic necessities at unreasonable prices to people who are currently still experiencing the state of flash floods and landslides.

"I, the Governor of Aceh, appeal to all business actors not to increase the price of basic necessities in the midst of this disaster," said Mualem, quoted from a video upload on his official Instagram account @muzakirmanaf1964, Monday, December 8.

He requested that the commodities of basic necessities that are most needed by people in disaster-affected areas are currently sold at normal prices.

"If you don't make this announcement, I will take legal action," he added.

He also emphasized to retail entrepreneurs who sell basic goods not to hoard and inflate prices.

Because, he said, the condition of the people in Aceh is currently in a state of need for basic goods due to flash floods and landslides.

"And I hope that if Indomaret and Alfamart are not heeded by this announcement, I will revoke all of your permits," he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has released the latest data on Monday, December 8, 2025, regarding flash floods and landslides that hit three provinces on the island of Sumatra.

As of 10.01 WIB, the number of victims who died was recorded at 930 people. In addition, 272 people are still missing and around 5,000 residents are injured.

BNPB reported that at least 52 districts and cities with a total of around 155,200 houses were damaged by the disaster. Public facilities, health, houses of worship, office buildings, bridges and educational facilities were also severely affected.

Through its official website, BNPB detailed that the damage included 1,200 public facilities, 199 health facilities, 534 educational facilities, 420 houses of worship, 234 buildings or offices and 405 bridges.

Most of the victims who died were recorded in Agam Regency, Aceh, with 179 people. Followed by North Aceh 128 victims, Central Tapanuli 102 victims and South Tapanuli 85 victims.

Meanwhile, the highest number of refugees was in North Aceh with 316,600 residents. Until now, the joint search and rescue (SAR) team is still searching and evacuating in a number of isolated locations due to cut road access.