Aceh Selatan Regent Mirwan MS apologized for going on Umrah while his region faced floods, as central officials call for empathy and sanctions. Flash floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have caused numerous casualties and billions in infrastructure damage. Politicians emphasize prioritizing disaster response over political matters.
Flash floods and landslides hitting Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra since late November 2025 have caused severe damage. In West Aceh, the disaster on November 26 destroyed infrastructure worth Rp203 billion, including roads, bridges, and hundreds of residents' homes. West Aceh Regent Tarmizi clarified that a letter stating inability to handle the disaster was required for logistical aid from BNPB, even as local government deployed personnel to clear mud and set up public kitchens.
The most controversial case involves Aceh Selatan Regent Mirwan MS, who went on Umrah while his area was flooded. On December 9, 2025, Mirwan issued an apology via an Instagram video, expressing regrets to President Prabowo Subianto, Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, and the public. "I, Haji Mirwan MS as Regent of South Aceh, with all humility, convey my deepest apologies for the discomfort, anxiety, and disappointment of many parties," he said. He pledged to work hard to restore the region and public trust.
DPR Speaker Puan Maharani highlighted the lack of empathy from local leaders. "For the regent, all regional heads should have empathy," Puan stated on December 8, 2025. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad supported a temporary dismissal of Mirwan under Law 23/2014 to optimize disaster response, with the appointment of an acting head (Plt). Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya confirmed an inspection by the Kemendagri inspectorate on the same day.
Meanwhile, DPR member Endipat Wijaya criticized volunteers donating Rp10 billion that went viral, while the government had provided trillions and TNI AU planes from day one. Puan and Dasco rejected a permanent coalition proposal from Golkar Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia, stressing focus on disaster recovery. "Now we are grieving... political matters are still far off," Puan said.