Cut off by a landslide, BNPB rushed to open a road access in North Tapanuli for 3 days

Aerial photo of the road that was cut off in the Batu Busuk area, Pauh, Padang, West Sumatra, Tuesday (16/12/2025)/ANTARA

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) targets the opening of access roads that were covered by landslides in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, can be completed within three days to accelerate the handling of emergency flood disasters accompanied by landslides.

Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said that accelerating the opening of road access was a top priority so that logistics mobility, personnel, and services to affected communities could resume optimally.

"The progress of opening alternative roads is currently around 80 percent and is targeted to be completed in the next three days, while the main road work is still taking place gradually," said Abdul in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, December 18.

BNPB together with the North Tapanuli Regency Government, the Ministry of Public Works, and elements of the TNI and Polri continue to deploy heavy equipment to clean up the landslide material that has closed a number of roads, including the border connecting North Tapanuli with Central Tapanuli.

In addition to opening access to roads, BNPB also plays an active role in strengthening emergency command, logistics support, and meeting the basic needs of affected communities through synergy across ministries and agencies, volunteers, and local governments.

For areas that until now have not been able to be reached by land vehicles, BNPB is still supporting the distribution of logistical assistance through air routes using helicopters. This step is carried out until the 23rd day after the disaster to ensure that the basic needs of affected residents are still met.

In supporting smooth communication and coordination in the field, BNPB also distributed six units of satellite internet communication facilities. Of these, five units have been operating in the affected areas to overcome blank spots, while the other unit is used for survey and field mapping needs.

In addition to handling access and communication, BNPB together with BPBD and local governments also strengthened evacuation services by providing public kitchens, bathing facilities, washing, kakus (MCK), and distribution of logistics that are coordinated through the Command Post under the leadership of the North Tapanuli Regent.

BNPB also assisted the local government in preparing the transition stages towards recovery, including reviewing the location of temporary housing in Sibalanga Village and providing initial assistance for planning the construction of permanent housing for disaster-affected residents.