Urges President Prabowo to Immediately Declare the Aceh-Sumatra Floods and Landslides a National Disaster
Picture: Muslim Abdullah (Deputy Speaker II of the Bireuen Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRK)
Bireuen.ANN | Deputy Speaker II of the Bireuen Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRK), Muslem Abdullah, urged President Prabowo Subianto to immediately declare the Sumatran floods and landslides a national disaster.
The damage caused by the floods and landslides in Sumatra, especially Aceh, was more devastating than the 2004 Aceh tsunami. “There were fewer fatalities,” he said.
“Not only were bridges and homes destroyed, but educational facilities and sources of livelihood were also affected,” he concluded.
He added that it is estimated that thousands of hectares of productive rice fields in Bireuen Regency were damaged by the mudflow. The same applies to fish ponds.
Furthermore, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were affected. “Many small businesses were damaged by the floods. “Many farmers have also lost their livelihoods,” he said.
On that occasion, the former GAM combatant also questioned the fate of children’s education in Aceh if schools are not immediately cleaned or repaired.
“How many schools were destroyed by the floods? This must be clear: when will the damaged schools be rebuilt?” Muslem questioned.
Furthermore, not only were school buildings damaged, but all supporting facilities for teaching and learning were also estimated to have been destroyed.
“According to reports I received, more than 200 schools in Bireuen Regency were affected. Not only were buildings damaged, but also vehicles and learning equipment were damaged,” he added.
Therefore, he urged President Prabowo to immediately declare a national disaster status for the Sumatra floods and landslides.
If the central government ignores this, he stated, it is possible that new unrest will arise in Aceh.
“It is appropriate for the central government to take action regarding the Sumatra disaster. We must not let the Acehnese people ‘rise up against’ the central government again,” he concluded. (**)
