"My fellow Indonesians, Christmas is a moment of love, hope, and concern for others," the president stated in his remarks on Wednesday (December 24) evening.
"While at the same time, our nation is facing a natural disaster that brought losses and challenges to our brothers and sisters in Sumatra," Prabowo said, referring to the floods and landslides that swept over Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
He further urged all Indonesians to link hands in solidarity and work together to strengthen the unity of the Indonesian nation.
"Let us make this moment a source of hope and a step to rise together," Prabowo stated.
The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that 2026 will bring new strength, health, and a spirit of solidarity to all the Indonesian people.
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the Almighty God always protect and accompany us in our struggles," he remarked.
Devastating floods and landslides struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025 following high-intensity rainfall.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) data showed that as of December 24, the death toll from the disasters had reached 1,129, while 174 people remain missing.
The disasters damaged a total of 157,838 houses, including 47,165 that were severely damaged.
As an expression of solidarity with disaster victims, various regions across Indonesia committed to scaling down New Year celebrations, including Jakarta and West Java provinces, as well as the cities of Semarang and Jambi.
Indonesian National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also advised regional administrations against organizing fireworks displays on New Year's Eve as a gesture of solidarity with the victims.
"We will not issue any recommendations for fireworks displays on New Year's Eve," he stated on Tuesday (December 23), adding that inspections and any sanctions related to fireworks displays would be carried out by regional police forces.
Translator: Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
