Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Indonesian government had acted swiftly in responding to floods and landslides that struck three provinces in Sumatra, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"We have shown the public the government's quick response in dealing with these challenges," he stated at the 61st Anniversary celebration of the Golkar Party here on Friday evening.

President Prabowo noted that the disasters had caused significant suffering and posed challenges to communities in the affected regions.

He added that the situation also demonstrated Indonesia's resilience as a nation capable of facing hardship and natural disasters without losing its unity.

Prabowo stressed that the public could see the government's immediate action through the presence of state personnel deployed at the disaster sites.

He affirmed that various efforts had been made, including the large-scale mobilization of the government's air fleet for emergency operations in the affected areas.

"Perhaps several months or years ago, no one would have expected that our country could deploy 50 helicopters. There are now 50 helicopters operating in the disaster-hit areas," he remarked.

The president added that the disasters are a test for the nation, but he believes Indonesia is capable of overcoming them with its own strength.

Floods and landslides recently struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following high-intensity rainfall.

The respective provincial governments have declared emergency response status, effective from November 28 to December 11 in Aceh, November 27 to December 10 in North Sumatra, and November 25 to December 8 in West Sumatra.

According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 5, the death toll from the disasters had reached 883, while 520 people remained missing.

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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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