In the wake of devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra, the Indonesian government is steadfastly committed to continuing search and rescue (SAR) operations across three affected provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
At a press conference held in Banda Aceh on Sunday, Abdul Muhari, who heads the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), emphasized the importance of a coordinated and measured approach in these ongoing efforts.
He explained, "We have adjusted our SAR operations based on the reported data regarding missing individuals from each district and city." This statement came after extensive collaboration between BNPB and the National Search and Rescue Agency, known as Basarnas, which took into account the evolving situation on the ground concerning reports of missing persons.
The decision to prolong SAR activities demonstrates the government's unwavering dedication to meticulously follow up on all reports of missing victims. Muhari pointed out, "Even in areas where reports of missing individuals have dwindled to zero, the Basarnas team remains on alert, as there is always a chance that victims could be discovered in adjacent regions."
Currently, SAR operations are actively taking place in six districts within Aceh: Bener Meriah, North Aceh, Central Aceh, Bireuen, Aceh Tamiang, and Nagan Raya. In North Sumatra, efforts are ongoing in Central Tapanuli District, South Tapanuli District, and Sibolga City. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, SAR teams are searching in Agam District, Padang Panjang City, Padang Pariaman District, and Tanah Datar District.
Muhari assured that any victims discovered in other areas would undergo rigorous identification processes. This involves matching their names and addresses with the existing population data to confirm their place of origin, a critical measure for ensuring the accuracy of national records and avoiding duplication in reporting.
In addition to the active SAR areas, several districts remain on standby with Basarnas. Should new reports emerge about missing individuals, the search operations will be promptly reactivated.
During the press briefing, Muhari noted a positive development: the number of missing individuals has decreased by 58 over the past week as previously reported cases were resolved and re-verification processes were conducted. On that same day, SAR teams recovered ten bodies—nine from Aceh and one from West Sumatra's Agam District—bringing the total death toll across the three provinces to 1,016, while the count of missing persons now stands at 212.
For related updates, Prabowo has called for the immediate fulfillment of sanitary needs for flood victims and pledged continued oversight for recovery efforts, which are estimated to require $3 billion.
