Handling Religious Disasters, Ministry of Public Works Focuses on Repairing Roads, Bridges and Sanitation

Jakarta, 8 December 2025 – The Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to intensify emergency response management following flood and landslide disasters in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. The ministry’s main focus currently is to restore road and bridge connectivity, clean up mud material, and ensure the availability of clean water and sanitation for affected residents.

The Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, emphasized that the preparedness of the Ministry of Public Works’ infrastructure and resources is a vital element in handling this disaster. The deployment of heavy equipment has been carried out since disaster information was received to support the restoration of road access, as well as assist in searching for victims.

“We ensure that equipment support from technical centers can be mobilized whenever needed, including to open access and assist with the evacuation process,” said Minister Dody.

Currently, the Ministry of Public Works through the West Sumatra National Road Implementation Center (BPJN) has deployed a number of heavy equipment to reopen access to isolated areas. A total of 2 excavator units were deployed to clean up the Jalan Padang Koto Gadang–Palembayan section in Nagari Salareh, while 2 other units worked hard to clean up landslide material on the Palembayan–Matur section. The main aim of handling is to restore connectivity between regions, so that logistics distribution and community mobility can run smoothly again.

In the water resources sector, the Sumatra V Padang River Basin Center (BWS) deployed 2 PC 200 type heavy equipment in Tanjung Raya District and 1 unit in Koto Kaciak. The equipment provided by PT Surya Pratama Natural (SPN) is tasked with dredging river sediments.

Furthermore, two additional heavy equipment from the Ministry of Environment, whose operation has been handed over to BWS Sumatra V Padang, will work to dredge sediment in the Alahan Nanggang River, Palembayan District. Dredging aims to improve river channels to facilitate water flow and prevent subsequent overflows. Meanwhile, another unit of equipment from the Ministry of the Environment will be placed in Lambung Bukit, Pauh, Padang City.

Apart from repair work, BWS Sumatra V Padang has also distributed 50 basic food packages to affected communities in the Koto Kaciak area. Aid is distributed through the Deputy Regent of Agam.

Fulfillment of Clean Water and Sanitation for Refugees

In addition to physical improvements to road and bridge connectivity infrastructure, the Ministry of Public Works through the West Sumatra Building, Infrastructure and Area Management Center (BPBPK) is also moving to meet the basic needs of refugees through support for emergency response infrastructure.

The assistance is in the form of providing 1 Temporary Shelter (HU) and 1 Water Tank Car (MTA) at the public kitchen post of SD 30 Kayu Pasak Timur, Palembayan District, which serves the needs of 158 refugees. Greater support was distributed to the SD 05 Kayu Pasak refugee post, in the form of 4 HU units, 2 portable toilet units, and 1 MTA unit to serve around 400 people.

An additional 2 HU units were also installed to support security operations and community services at the Palembayan Koto Alam Police.

All handling efforts are carried out through tight coordination with the regional government, security forces and local volunteers so that the handling is integrated. The Ministry of Public Works is committed to continuing to be present to accompany the people of Agam Regency in every phase, from emergency response to post-disaster recovery.

This work program is part of “A Year of Working, Moving – Having an Impact” in implementing President Prabowo Subianto’s ASTA CITA.

#SigapDevelopingTheNationForThePeople

#AnImpactYear

About the Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Public Works

The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is a state ministry in the Red and White Cabinet in the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. This ministry is in charge of public works affairs, namely: tasked with and responsible for the development and management of infrastructure in Indonesia, including roads, bridges, water management. The Ministry of Public Works is responsible to the President. Since October 21 2024, the ministry will be led by Dody Hanggodo.