Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, all technical elements of the Ministry of Public Works are working together with local governments to reopen previously disrupted routes and ensure the smooth distribution of aid to affected communities.
"The first priority is to open road access so that all aid and equipment can enter safely. The Ministry of Public Works will continue to provide additional heavy equipment and personnel as needed, and will work closely with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and local governments to ensure effective response," Dody said in a statement.
The Ministry of Public Works, through the Sumatra II River Basin Center (BBWS), the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Center (BBPJN), and various other technical elements, continues to expedite emergency response to the flood and landslide disasters that have hit several areas in North Sumatra Province since November 23, 2025.
The very high rainfall intensity that occurred for almost a week, reaching 118 mm/day in the Sibolga area, caused infrastructure damage and disrupted transportation access in more than 40 sub-districts.
One of the most significant repairs was carried out on the 64-km Tarutung–Sibolga–Barus section, which was cut off by major landslides at more than 30 points. As of December 4, 2025, access to 38 km had been reopened. Repairs focused on the major landslide at km 38–39.
The main obstacle is the lack of space to dispose of landslide material, as well as the large number of large vehicles buried, so the work must be carried out carefully and in stages.
The Ministry of Public Works (PU) confirmed that emergency response will continue until all vital access points are operational again. Intensive coordination is underway.
