Ministry of Forestry Mobilizes Resources for Post-Flood Recovery in Sumatra
Table of Contents
January 6, 2026 – The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) is actively involved in post-disaster recovery efforts across Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra, regions severely impacted by floods and landslides since mid-November 2025. A joint team is transporting and repurposing salvaged wood to aid affected communities.
Clearing Debris and Restoring Access
Efforts are focused on clearing debris that obstructs vital infrastructure and access routes. subhan, Head of the Gunung Leuser National Park Center (BBTNGL), reported the deployment of 28 heavy equipment units to Tanggaan District, North Aceh Regency, to remove wood blocking roads, residential areas, and educational facilities. As of January 6, 2026, approximately 300 pieces of wood, totaling 469.26 cubic meters, have been collected .
Prioritizing Community Needs
The primary focus is on clearing wood from areas impacting essential services and residential zones. Recovered wood deemed suitable is being cataloged for use in emergency situations. According to Subhan, the salvaged wood is being utilized to construct temporary housing (huntara) for those displaced by the floods. Two shelter units are currently under construction, with one already completed.
Regional Recovery Efforts
North Sumatra
Post-disaster operations in North Sumatra are concentrated in the villages of Garoga, Huta Godang, and Aek Ngadol, South Tapanuli Regency.A team equipped with 20 heavy equipment units and 10 dump trucks is working to sort wood, restore the Garoga River, clean affected homes, and implement environmental planning measures. Critically important progress has been made, with wood sorting reaching completion in several segments.
West Sumatra
In West Sumatra, the Ministry of Forestry, in collaboration with local Technical Implementation Units (UPT), Forest Management Units, and the Provincial Forestry Service, is conducting clean-up operations. Teams are identifying and recording driftwood along Padang beach, the Batang Kuranji River Watershed (DAS), and the Air Cold River. Data collection is ongoing to determine the volume and types of wood available for repurposing, with a GovernorS Decree expected to authorize its utilization.
Sustainable Disaster Recovery
Novita Kusuma Wardani, Head of the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA), emphasized that recovery efforts are aligned with community housing preparation. In the garoga area, 426 logs (253.85 cubic meters) and 154 pieces of sawn wood (4,236 cubic meters) have been collected.The Ministry of Forestry is committed to ensuring transparent and orderly management of disaster-salvaged wood, maximizing benefits for affected communities.
The Ministry of Forestry assures continued monitoring and data updates to ensure responsible and beneficial utilization of resources in the aftermath of the Sumatra floods.
Related reading