Enviro News Asia, Aceh — The Ministry of Forestry has accelerated post-disaster recovery efforts by clearing flood debris, fallen timber, and mud deposits in several affected areas of Aceh and North Sumatra following recent floods and landslides.
The operation involves integrated coordination with the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian National Police, the National Disaster Management Agency, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, partner institutions, and local communities.
According to Subhan, Head of the Gunung Leuser National Park Authority, debris removal has been prioritized to restore community access and daily activities, particularly in residential areas and public facilities.
“We have deployed personnel and heavy equipment at maximum capacity to ensure the swift removal of disaster debris. Our main focus is reopening access roads, cleaning educational facilities and homes, and ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment,” Subhan said on Monday (December 22).
In Aceh Tamiang Regency, debris clearance at Darul Mukhlisin Islamic Boarding School involved hundreds of joint personnel. As of December 22, 2025, progress at the site had reached approximately 30 percent, with operations continuing into the night to accelerate completion. Cleanup of the first floor of the male dormitory has reached around 50 percent, while work continues in the female dormitory. Timber removal is scheduled to begin on Tuesday (December 23), with debris transported to temporary storage sites designated by local authorities.
Meanwhile, in Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, joint teams focused on reopening access roads to residential areas. Approximately one kilometer of road access has been successfully cleared. Cleanup efforts were also carried out at State Elementary School 12 Langkahan to support the resumption of teaching and learning activities.
In North Sumatra Province, debris clearance operations were conducted in Aek Ngadol, Garoga, and Huta Godang villages. Teams cleared fallen timber and mud from homes, village roadsides, and public facilities. To prevent further damage, drainage trenches were constructed to divert liquid mud and rainwater away from residences that had already been cleaned.
The Ministry of Forestry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cross-sectoral coordination and remaining on site until environmental conditions and community activities in affected areas are fully restored. (*)
