Kudus, Central Java (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to conduct on-the-ground assessments and strengthen emergency response efforts in Kudus District, Central Java, and nearby areas following recent floods, a senior official said on Friday.
BNPB Head Suharyanto said the president ordered him to travel directly to the affected region to ensure that the government’s response was swift and effective, despite the country still grappling with major disasters in other parts of Indonesia.
“Mr. President asked me to come here from Aceh to meet you. Even though the nation is still handling large-scale disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, the government is giving equal attention to Kudus, Jepara and Pati,” Suharyanto told evacuees.
Speaking at the Kudus Regional House of Representatives building, he conveyed President Prabowo’s condolences to residents impacted by flooding across Kudus, Pati and Jepara Districts, which have displaced thousands and disrupted daily activities.
“Beyond extending condolences, we are here to listen and to look for concrete solutions together with the House of Representatives and local governments, so that the handling of this disaster can be improved,” Suharyanto said.
Suharyanto delivered his remarks in the presence of House of Representatives Commission VII Deputy Chair Abdul Wachid, Kudus District Head Sam’ani Intakoris and other local officials, underscoring coordination between central and regional authorities in managing the disaster response.
He said BNPB would soon hold a coordination meeting with Kudus district officials and related agencies to map out priority measures, including emergency relief, recovery planning and longer-term flood mitigation efforts.
Suharyanto assured evacuees that the central government would continue monitoring developments on the ground and ensure the provision of basic necessities such as food, shelter, health services and clean water.
“We share responsibility for meeting the basic needs of those affected. You are welcome to convey suggestions and input, which we will pass on to the central government,” he told residents sheltering at evacuation centers.
He also urged communities to remain alert to extreme weather risks, noting that heavy rainfall and changing climate patterns could increase the likelihood of further flooding if preparedness is not strengthened.
