DPD RI member Irman Gusman urges the central government to declare a national disaster status following flash floods and landslides in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. DPD Chairman Sultan Baktiar Najamudin expresses condolences and deploys senators to assist victims. The disasters have crippled infrastructure and forced postponement of major events.
Flash floods and major landslides have struck West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh, causing widespread damage that paralyzes residents' lives, destroys vital infrastructure, and severs land, sea, and air transport access. DPD RI member from West Sumatra, Irman Gusman, states that the scale of destruction exceeds local government capacity, requiring full central government intervention.
On Friday (28/11/2025), Irman Gusman's flight to Padang was canceled due to extreme weather and infrastructure damage, just hours before the dawn schedule. He was set to inspect victims in Batu Busuk, Padang City, and other sites, ensuring logistics distribution. His team has been active for several days in humanitarian aid. "The situation in Sumbar is truly an emergency. This is no longer an ordinary disaster. The state must be present as quickly and firmly as possible," Irman said.
The disaster has also affected community activities, such as the postponement of the thanksgiving ceremony for National Hero Rahmah El Yunusiah's award in Padangpanjang on Saturday (29/11) and the Minang Geopark Run 2025 in Bukittinggi on Sunday (30/11). Thousands of residents are displaced, logistics access is cut off, and the potential for more fatalities increases. Irman urges declaration of national disaster status to mobilize BNPB, TNI, Polri, and international support if needed. "This nation must not wait for more victims. We need to act fast. Every hour counts," he said.
Meanwhile, DPD RI Chairman Sultan Baktiar Najamudin expressed deep concern over the casualties and broad impacts. "We share the grief over the calamity that has befallen our brothers and sisters. May the affected families be granted strength, health, and fortitude to face this trial," Sultan stated on Friday (28/11). The DPD has deployed senators from affected areas since Thursday (27/11) to coordinate with local governments and BNPB, along with facilitating aid. He calls for mutual cooperation for swift recovery.
Irman also sent a request letter to Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman on Thursday (27/11), seeking basic needs for 13 districts/cities in West Sumatra. The minister announced aid of 6,700 tons of rice and 1,300 tons of cooking oil for West Sumatra, plus similar support for other provinces.