MPR Chairman Clarifies Presidential Authority in Declaring National Disaster Status

Presidential Discretion in Disaster Declaration

MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani has emphasized that the authority to declare a national disaster status for the regions of Sumatra and Aceh rests with the President of Indonesia. According to Muzani, such a declaration must be formalized through a Presidential Decree (Keppres).

Rationale Behind the Decision

Muzani expressed his confidence that the President has specific considerations for not yet declaring Sumatra and Aceh as national disaster areas. The Chairman's statement was made during a visit to the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. While the exact nature of these considerations remains undisclosed, it underscores the careful deliberation involved in such significant decisions.

Implications of National Disaster Status

Declaring a national disaster status has significant implications, including the potential mobilization of additional resources and international assistance. Such a declaration also typically triggers specific legal and regulatory frameworks that facilitate disaster response and recovery efforts.