Indonesia's Engineers Warn of Landslide Risks, Propose Mitigation Measures
Executive Summary
Key insights and market outlook
The Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) has highlighted the high vulnerability of slopes in Sumatra following recent floods and landslides that claimed hundreds of lives. PII recommends four mitigation measures to reduce disaster risks in slope areas, including terracing, minimizing settlements on slopes, avoiding riverbank development, and planting deep-rooted vegetation. These measures aim to prevent similar disasters in the future by addressing the root causes of slope instability.
Deep Dive Analysis
Indonesia's Engineers Association Proposes Landslide Mitigation Measures Following Sumatra Disasters
High Slope Vulnerability Identified as Key Disaster Factor
Recent devastating floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have resulted in significant loss of life, with 631 deaths and 472 missing persons reported as of December 2, 2025. The Indonesian Engineers Association (PII) has identified high slope vulnerability as a primary factor contributing to these disasters. The organization attributes the slope instability to reduced vegetation cover in slope areas, which increases water flow during heavy rainfall.
Four Key Mitigation Measures Recommended
To address these challenges, PII has proposed four critical mitigation measures for residential areas on slopes:
- Terracing on moderate to steep slopes to minimize additional load on the slopes
- Minimizing settlement construction on, above, or below moderate to steep slopes
- Avoiding riverbank settlements to prevent erosion and water-related disasters
- Planting deep-rooted vegetation on moderate to steep slopes to enhance stability
Early Warning Signs and Community Awareness
The PII has also emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs of landslides, such as changes in plant orientation or tilting of previously upright structures. By increasing community awareness and implementing these mitigation measures, the organization aims to reduce the risk of future disasters in vulnerable slope areas across Indonesia.