Indonesia's Transportation Ministry Responds to Sumatra Natural Disaster

Emergency Measures and Relief Efforts

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has taken immediate action in response to the recent floods and landslides affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi announced that all ministry units in the affected regions have been placed on high alert to ensure transportation safety and maintain service continuity.

Work From Anywhere Implementation

To protect employees while maintaining service continuity, Kemenhub has implemented Work From Anywhere (WFA) for civil servants whose homes have been affected by the disaster. This flexible work arrangement utilizes online service systems and reporting mechanisms to ensure operational continuity. The decision comes as over 100 employees and their families have been impacted by the floods and landslides.

Transportation Service Adjustments

While some access roads and communication networks remain disrupted, Kemenhub is working to maintain essential transportation services through operational adjustments in affected areas. Service units are focusing on monitoring transportation routes and managing traffic at critical points to facilitate the movement of evacuation vehicles, logistics support, and vital transportation services.

Collaborative Relief Efforts

The ministry has mobilized assistance teams from various technical education institutions under its supervision, including the Medan Aviation Polytechnic, Malahayati Shipping Polytechnic, and West Sumatra Shipping Polytechnic. These teams have joined forces with local disaster management agencies such as BPBD, Basarnas, and BNPB to strengthen evacuation operations, secure transportation nodes, and manage displaced populations.

Community Support Initiatives

In addition to operational support, the ministry has organized social assistance programs. For instance, the Medan Aviation Polytechnic, together with the Class II Transportation Service Implementation Unit of North Sumatra, has prepared 300 basic food packages for affected students, employees, and local communities in the Tapanuli and Sibolga regions.

Conclusion

Kemenhub remains committed to supporting disaster relief efforts while maintaining critical transportation infrastructure. The ministry's comprehensive response includes both immediate operational adjustments and longer-term recovery support, demonstrating its dedication to serving affected communities during this challenging period.