Indonesian VP calls for loan relief for West Sumatra flood victims

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2 hours ago

Solok, West Sumatra (ANTARA) – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called for loan repayment relief to ease the financial burden on victims of the recent flash floods in Solok District, West Sumatra.

Speaking during his visit to the flood-stricken Arosuka area on Friday (September 25), Gibran urged authorities to immediately identify affected residents with outstanding bank loans so that relief policies can be implemented in line with existing financial regulations.

“The issue of loan installments for disaster-affected residents is crucial. Those with credit obligations must be given flexibility and not be further burdened,” he said while observing damaged infrastructure and speaking with local communities.

The Vice President noted that the government had also deployed similar financial relief measures for disaster victims in Tapanuli, North Sumatra.

His visit took place during the emergency response phase for the flash floods, which struck Arosuka on Monday evening (September 21), inundating residential neighborhoods and local government office complexes.

Beyond financial assistance, Gibran instructed ministries and local governments to expedite the rehabilitation of damaged agricultural lands. He highlighted Solok’s vital role as a key agricultural hub that supports food security for both the island of Sumatra and the national supply chain.

Agricultural recovery, he stressed, must be accelerated to ensure the production of rice and other vital commodities is not severely disrupted.

To mitigate future risks, the Vice President outlined medium-term infrastructure plans. These include river dredging and widening as well as the construction of debris-control structures, such as sabo dams, to manage dangerous sediment flows during heavy rains.

Addressing the displacement of locals, Gibran said that the authorities will immediately begin building permanent housing for residents whose homes have been destroyed or are located in high-risk zones.

He mandated that the new settlements be built in safe areas that remain accessible to the residents’ primary workplaces, preventing the relocation from triggering new socioeconomic challenges. He also strongly appealed to residents to avoid returning to structurally compromised homes.

Gibran concluded his visit by emphasizing the need for seamless collaboration across all government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the swift and effective delivery of humanitarian aid.