President Prabowo Subianto celebrated the turn of the year to 2026 with refugees from floods and landslides at Posko Batu Hula in Tapanuli Selatan, North Sumatra. He sang national songs, prayed together, and emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the people. Prabowo also delivered New Year greetings while highlighting progress in disaster response.
On Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto arrived at Posko Pengungsian Batu Hula in Batang Toru, Tapanuli Selatan, around 11:30 PM WIB, wearing a cream safari suit. He was enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of refugees, including children shouting "Welcome Pak Prabowo". Prabowo immediately mingled, shook hands with residents, and listened to their requests regarding needs in the shelters and hopes post-disaster.
In a simple event without fireworks, Prabowo led refugees in singing national songs "Tanah Air" and "Rayuan Pulau Kelapa", accompanied by ministers such as Sugiono, Prasetyo Hadi, and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. At exactly 00:00 WIB, he paused the singing to say, "Happy New Year 2026, may the Almighty always give us the best", met with applause.
Prabowo stressed the spirit of mutual cooperation in facing challenges. "We face difficulties, we face calamities, we face challenges. But we must keep spirited, sincere. We must remain strong, resilient in soul", he said. He assured refugees that the government would not abandon them: "Believe that your leaders, that your President will never leave you. We will be together." He also urged preserving nature: "We must respect nature, we must protect nature, we must care for nature and not destroy it."
Prabowo shared progress in disaster response over the past month. "I am grateful that in this 1 month, although there are still many challenges but there is quite a lot of progress and success", he stated. Reports indicate no more isolated villages in Tapanuli Selatan, while in North Sumatra only five remain. He inspected the Bailey bridge over Sungai Garoga, built in 10 days, faster than usual. The visit was accompanied by officials like Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, Governor Bobby Nasution, and Regent Gus Irawan Pasaribu. The event concluded with a joint prayer, marking the government's commitment to sustainable recovery.
