After landing at Minangkabau International Airport near Padang City, West Sumatra, the vice president continued his journey to his first destination, Agam District. He boarded a helicopter to deliver logistics and humanitarian aid to refugee centers.
Upon arriving in Agam, Gibran traveled by trail bike to a shelter set up by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Along the way, he passed homes destroyed by flash floods.
According to a video recording received here, the road leading to the shelter remained covered in wet mud and debris, making motorcycles the most practical mode of transportation.
Gibran’s use of a motorcycle was also intended to prevent his entourage from disrupting search and rescue operations for flood victims.
During his working visit to Sumatra, the vice president will inspect post-flood conditions, coordinate with local authorities, and interact with on-site officers to understand the challenges they face in carrying out disaster response operations.
The visit follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to ensure prompt and coordinated mitigation, emergency response, and infrastructure reconstruction with the involvement of all stakeholders.
From West Sumatra, Gibran will continue his tour to South Tapanuli District in North Sumatra and Aceh Singkil District in Aceh.
Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto, State-owned Enterprises Regulatory Agency (BP BUMN) Deputy Head Aminuddin Ma’ruf, and House of Representatives (DPR) member Andre Rosiade joined the vice president’s visit to Sumatra.
Floods and landslides have recently struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following days of intense rainfall.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 4, the disasters had killed 776 people, left 564 missing, and affected 3.2 million residents.
President Prabowo Subianto visited several disaster-hit areas on Monday and said the government would airlift supplies to isolated locations while ground access remains cut.
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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
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