Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has said that life in parts of Sumatra devastated by recent floods and landslides is expected to gradually return to normal within the next two to three months, as large-scale recovery and reconstruction efforts continue across the region.
Addressing a cabinet meeting on Monday, President Prabowo acknowledged the enormous scale of destruction caused by weeks of extreme weather, stressing that rebuilding communities and restoring infrastructure would take time. He cautioned against unrealistic expectations of a rapid recovery, noting that the damage cannot be repaired in a matter of days, but expressed confidence that steady progress would be made in the coming months.
The disaster, triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall linked to Cyclone Senyar, has led to severe flooding and landslides across several provinces in Sumatra. According to official figures, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives, while hundreds remain missing. Thousands of residents have been displaced, with homes, roads, bridges and public facilities either damaged or completely destroyed.
President Prabowo said the government has prioritised emergency relief, shelter and basic services for affected communities. Temporary housing is being prepared for displaced families, while repairs to transport routes and utilities are underway to reconnect isolated areas. However, he emphasized that the scale of reconstruction means recovery will be a phased process rather than an immediate return to pre-disaster conditions.
The financial impact of the disaster is also significant. Authorities estimate that reconstruction costs could run into billions of dollars, covering housing, public infrastructure and essential services. The government has mobilised national resources for the response, even as some international partners have offered assistance. President Prabowo said Indonesia has the capacity to manage the recovery while remaining open to cooperation where necessary.
Environmental concerns have also come into sharp focus following the floods. Officials have indicated that deforestation and land-use practices, including mining and logging, may have worsened the impact of the heavy rains. The government has ordered reviews of permits and warned that licences could be revoked if violations of environmental regulations are found.
As recovery efforts continue, the president called for patience and unity, urging all levels of government to work closely with communities to rebuild lives and livelihoods. While the road ahead remains challenging, authorities hope that sustained reconstruction efforts will allow flood-hit areas of Sumatra to regain stability and normalcy within the next few months.