Enviro News Asia, North Sumatra — The Forestry Community Forum of Indonesia (Forum Komunikasi Masyarakat Perhutanan Indonesia / FKMPI) distributed its second phase of humanitarian assistance to residents of Lama Baru Village, Sei Lepan Sub-district, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, on Sunday, 21 December 2025, following floods and landslides that disrupted livelihoods, electricity access, and clean water supply.
The assistance was provided under the Forestry Sector Disaster Response Program and followed an earlier aid distribution in Babo Village, Aceh Tamiang, on 20 December 2025. The continued outreach reflects FKMPI’s commitment to supporting multiple disaster-affected communities across Sumatra rather than limiting assistance to a single location.
The aid was handed over by APHI Chairman Soewarso, representing FKMPI, and received by Lama Baru Village Head Kursi Ginting. The handover involved regional representatives from the FKMPI Regional Commission (KOMDA) for North Sumatra and Aceh, and was accompanied by Deputy Head of Public Relations and Cooperation Committee Trisia Megawati, and KOMDA Treasurer Sukirdi.
The assistance focused on essential post-disaster needs, including a 3,000-watt generator to support emergency electricity, food packages, blankets, carpets, mosquito nets, and women’s hygiene supplies. The aid packages were prepared through coordination with regional stakeholders to ensure alignment with on-the-ground conditions and the needs of vulnerable groups.
This second-phase distribution complemented earlier emergency responses by APHI members in Sumatra, which included the delivery of food supplies and the deployment of heavy equipment to clear landslide debris, reopen access routes, and support initial emergency handling.
Soewarso stated that the forestry sector’s presence in Lama Baru Village represents a long-term social commitment rather than a one-off relief effort. He emphasized that sustainable forest management must go hand in hand with responsibility toward communities living near forest areas, particularly during times of crisis.
Village Head Kursi Ginting welcomed the assistance, noting that many families continue to face serious challenges following the disaster, especially related to electricity and clean water. He said the aid directly addressed urgent needs and that the presence of multiple stakeholders provided moral support and strengthened community resilience.
Regional representative Sukirdi highlighted the importance of coordination at the local level to ensure effective and targeted distribution. He said regional commissions play a critical role in bridging national commitments with the realities faced by affected villages.
The program also involved forestry student organizations Sylva Indonesia and International Forestry Student Association, whose student volunteers assisted in field distribution. Student representatives described the program as a valuable demonstration of solidarity among forestry stakeholders in responding to disasters in Sumatra.
Through this phased approach, FKMPI reaffirmed that the Forestry Sector Disaster Response Program is designed to support emergency response and early recovery while fostering long-term partnerships among the forestry sector, local governments, communities, and young professionals. (*)
