“On New Year’s Eve, the President will stay overnight here in South Tapanuli. He may have dinner with local residents, exchange greetings, and watch a film together using a mobile cinema,” Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in South Tapanuli on Wednesday.
Wijaya noted that most residents displaced by the disaster in Batang Toru have since returned to their homes, but the refugee camp remains open to serve as a public service and coordination center for the community.
The shelter continues to operate with a public kitchen, logistics storage and basic service facilities, supporting residents who come to collect necessities or check on ongoing recovery assistance.
During the visit, President Prabowo is also scheduled to review progress in post-disaster recovery, including infrastructure rehabilitation aimed at restoring mobility and economic activity in affected areas.
The president’s return to South Tapanuli underscores his effort to directly monitor the government’s recovery programs, particularly key projects such as the construction of a Bailey bridge to reconnect isolated communities.
Prabowo and his entourage arrived at Sisingamangaraja Airport in North Tapanuli on Wednesday afternoon before continuing the journey by Caracal helicopter and landing in the PTPN IV area near the disaster zone.
From there, the president proceeded on foot to inspect the Bailey bridge construction site, allowing him to directly assess conditions on the ground and engage with local officials overseeing the work.
The temporary bridge, measuring 44 meters in length, is designed to support loads of up to 25 tonnes and is expected to restore vital transport access disrupted by the disaster.
During the inspection, President Prabowo also listened to aspirations and concerns from local residents, including former refugees and workers involved in reconstruction efforts.
Previously, the State Secretary Minister said the visit reflects the president’s commitment to ensuring recovery and reconstruction in three disaster-affected provinces proceed on schedule and deliver tangible benefits to affected communities.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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