Indonesia races to restore roads after Sumatra floods

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works is accelerating efforts to restore damaged roads and bridges after massive floods and landslides struck Sumatra.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said reopening land access remains the government’s top priority.

“The first priority is to open road access to allow distribution of disaster relief and equipment. We will provide additional heavy equipment and personnel as needed, and work closely with BPBD and local governments for an effective response,” he said on Thursday.

Teams are working around the clock to restore major transport routes in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra—crucial for logistics and public mobility ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

According to ministry data as of December 2, 2025, the disaster caused 253 landslides and 86 flood points along national roads.

Aceh recorded 46 landslides and 34 flood points, affecting 35 national roads and 14 bridges, while North Sumatra saw 144 landslides and 20 flood points, damaging 25 national roads and four bridges.

In West Sumatra, authorities reported 63 landslides and 32 flood points, disrupting 30 national roads and damaging three bridges.

Hanggodo said several key routes have been partially reopened, though challenges remain. “Some important areas are now accessible, but not fully open… In Aceh, water levels reach 80 centimeters, making it impossible for heavy machinery to enter,” he noted.

To replace collapsed bridges, the ministry is installing Bailey Bridges at priority locations. He added that improved weather would significantly speed up repairs.

“In Sigli–Bireuen and toward Sibolga, access is now open, but only for small vehicles. Small trucks can enter today, allowing aid to be delivered immediately. Previously, aid had to travel by sea,” he said.

The ministry is focusing heavily on restoring access to northern, central, and southern Tapanuli—currently the only land route for logistics.

“We are deploying all heavy equipment, and if needed, we will bring in supplies from nearby provinces such as Riau, Bengkulu, and Lampung,” Hanggodo added.

Repair work includes installing Bailey Bridges, filling collapsed road sections with aggregate and asphalt, reinforcing slopes with gabions and geotextiles, building retaining walls, covering landslides with tarpaulins, and clearing debris.

The ministry aims to complete emergency repairs by December 16, 2025.

Engineering teams are also clearing landslide and flood debris, assisting with victim searches, managing river flows, removing sediment, and opening emergency routes.