December 24, 2025 | 06:50 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recovery from flash floods in West Sumatra requires a comprehensive approach. This includes everything from accurate data collection to strict law enforcement in spatial planning.
Professor Febrin Anas Ismail, an expert in mechanical engineering and structural engineering at Andalas University, explained these steps that the government needs to take after the emergency response period is lifted.
"When we talk about recovery, the first thing to consider is data. The data must be accurate because it will be the basis for planning the recovery process," Febrin said in an interview with Tempo on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
He stated that the data collection should cover various sectors, including houses, road and bridge infrastructure, as well as public buildings such as mosques and healthcare facilities. This data will form the basis for the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (R3P) through the Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) method.
Febrin mentioned that the flooding was not only caused by high rainfall, but also due to land use conversion and weak law enforcement in spatial planning, especially in riverbanks.
"We have been aware of natural behavior for a long time. That's why in other countries, the 30-50 meter areas on both sides of the river cannot be utilized; they are only for the river," he explained.
He gave the example of other countries using riverbanks for sports fields and recreational areas. This way, when floods occur, casualties can be minimized. "The problem is just law enforcement, the enforcement of the law. Our regulations are not effectively implemented there," he said.
Febrin believes that both the government and the community have a responsibility in this matter. "On one hand, it's the government's responsibility. On the other hand, the community sometimes finds it difficult as well. Without sanctions, the community tends to remain comfortable in that situation," he said.
The Importance of National Disaster Status in Recovery
Regarding the debate on declaring a national disaster, Febrin explained that this designation guarantees a better recovery. "If it is a local or regional disaster, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is usually in charge. While the central government provides incentives, in the form of stimulus funds," he commented.
He stated that the national disaster status will involve all ministries and can be synergized, and funds can be disbursed through on-call funds. "The central government has the responsibility to ensure that what is stated in the R3P can be realized," he explained.
If there is no national status, Febrin used the example of the eruption of Mount Merapi, which was only categorized as a regional disaster. Although President Jokowi promised to build 50 sabo dams for prevention, there was no guarantee of continuity because it was a local disaster.
"If it's just a regional status, people tend to forget about it. It's over. It's calmed down. That's it. Many bridges may not have been repaired yet. How many more years do we have to wait for the budget?" he said.
Additionally, Febrin mentioned that the road to Batusangkar, which was damaged by a disaster two years ago, remains in a deteriorated condition due to limitations in the Regional Budget (APBD). "The province is struggling. Even with regular funding, it is already insufficient, let alone for a disaster like this," he said.
Read: The Wrong Way to Adapt to the Climate Crisis
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Aceh's Wali Nanggroe Seeks Foreign Aid for Disaster Relief
2 jam lalu
Lembaga Wali Nanggroe of Aceh disclosed that they sought disaster relief assistance following the devastating floods in the region.
Forestry Ministry Talks of Use of Flood-Swept Logs
5 jam lalu
The cleanup of debris, particularly the massive volume of logs left behind by Sumatra floods and landslides, has sparked controversy.
Academics to Audit 100 Firms After Deadly Sumatra Floods
11 jam lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Environment will lead the environmental audit team following the Sumatra floods.
Sumatra Disaster Victims May Be Unable to Perform Hajj in 2026
21 jam lalu
Prospective Hajj pilgrims from the three provinces may not depart next year and could be placed on the waiting list for the 2027 Hajj.
Jakarta Raises Rp3 Billion for Sumatra Disaster Relief
23 jam lalu
This donation comes from fundraising efforts by the Jakarta provincial government and several private organizations.
Indonesia's Military Explains Helibox Aid Airdrop After 'Empty Box' Claims
1 hari lalu
TNI explains the concept of airdrop helibox that was previously reported as empty on social media when delivering aid to the disaster-stricken areas in Sumatra.
Sumatra Disaster Damages 89,000 Hectares of Rice Fields in Aceh
1 hari lalu
The Department of Agriculture and Plantation in Aceh has reported the damaged rice field data to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Waking up After Disaster Strikes
1 hari lalu
Parts of Sumatra were hit by floods resulting from the arbitrary granting of permits to clear forests. Now Papua is under threat.
Sumatra Floods Kill Over 1,100, BNPB Records
1 hari lalu
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded the number of casualties due to the Sumatra disaster in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, reaching more than 1,100 people.
IDAI Deploys 70 Pediatric Specialists to Disaster Zones in Sumatra
2 hari lalu
Since late November to December, the IDAI team has served approximately 4,575 children in various affected locations in Sumatra.
