Aceh/Padang, W. Sumatra. President Prabowo Subianto on Monday promised swift and direct government assistance for communities hit by flash floods and landslides in Aceh and West Sumatra, as he visited evacuation centers to meet survivors and assess the damage.

A string of flash floods, landslides, strong winds, and fallen trees that swept across Sumatra from Nov. 19–28 has caused 442 deaths, 646 people injured, 402 missing, and more than 2,000 houses severely damaged as of Sunday evening. Rescue operations remain hampered by washed-out roads, unstable terrain, and continuing heavy rain, and emergency teams warn that the full extent of the devastation has yet to be determined.

During a visit to Kutacane in Southeast Aceh on Monday, Prabowo expressed condolences to hundreds of displaced residents and praised their resilience despite the hardship. “We are deeply concerned and extend our sympathies to the victims. God willing, the weather improves, and the situation passes,” he told evacuees.

Prabowo vowed that the central government would deliver aid “as much as possible,” saying that funds had already been allocated for repairs to damaged public facilities at the village, sub-district, and regency levels. He said budget efficiencies at the national level were allowing more support to flow directly to those most affected.

He also highlighted efforts to eliminate middlemen in the distribution of subsidized goods. “All government assistance must go straight to the people. It should not pass through intermediaries,” he said, adding that state-run cooperative services would be expanded to ensure more efficient delivery of essential items.

Beyond emergency relief, Prabowo promised increased investment in education infrastructure, saying the government would “repair more schools” in flood-hit regions. He also lauded the rapid response of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the military, and the police for working together to speed up recovery efforts.

Later the same day, while meeting evacuees in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, Prabowo reiterated his pledge to manage state resources transparently and combat corruption to ensure disaster victims receive maximum support.

“The Indonesian government belongs to the people and works for the people. We will safeguard the nation’s wealth so it can help those in need,” he said. Prabowo stressed the importance of eliminating leakages in public finances. “There must be no corruption, no thieves stealing the people’s money.”

Prabowo assured affected families that they would not be left to endure the aftermath alone. He confirmed that the government is assessing the damage to homes, bridges, and other key infrastructure to accelerate repairs and restore connectivity.

“We are one big family. We will not let you carry this burden alone,” he said. “Water systems are being fixed, bridges are being assessed, and homes that were damaged or washed away will receive support.”

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