Jakarta:President Prabowo Subianto has directed improvements in disaster preparedness in regions throughout Indonesia. This directive was issued during a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, where the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Kristomei Sianturi, provided updates on current disasters and the status of facilities and equipment prepared to handle potential flooding.

According to Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia, BNPB reported that flooding affected 12 districts and cities between October 24 and November 8. While the situation has improved in seven areas, five districts continue to require attention. These districts include Pidie Jaya regency in Aceh province, Langkat, Deli Serdang, and Serdang Bedagai regencies in North Sumatra province, and Lumajang regency in East Java province.

BNPB has identified that these five regions cover 22 sub-districts and affect 11,404 families. The Pidie Jaya regency has been the hardest hit with 4,969 families affected, followed by Langkat regency with 3,157 families impacted.

Furthermore, BNPB has mapped potential disasters expected through November 11, 2026. Across six provinces, three sub-districts are on alert while 74 are on standby. The regions on alert are located in West Aceh, Southwest Aceh, and Central Aceh regencies.

In light of these developments, BNPB has briefed President Prabowo on the preparedness of mitigation equipment and supplies. The President has instructed an increase in management stocks to ensure immediate fulfillment of community needs during emergencies.

President Prabowo's directive includes increasing emergency supplies such as cots, tents, generators, rubber boats, blankets, and water purifiers. In addition to addressing flooding, BNPB is monitoring other incidents such as an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara province, extreme weather conditions, and landslides in Badung regency, Bali province. Volcanic activity is also under continuous observation as part of national preparedness efforts.

The strengthening of equipment readiness and monitoring of vulnerable areas are integral to the Government’s strategy to ensure a swift response to disasters, particularly during the rainy season's peak.