Dede Leni Mardianti, Jakarta – Indonesian Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf dismissed reports of looting in the Bulog warehouses in Central Tapanuli Regency and Sibolga City, North Sumatra. He said the rice was intentionally distributed to the flood and landslide-hit residents.
"BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) head has explained that it was not looting, but intentional distribution [of aid] for residents," said the minister familiarly known as Gus Ipul today at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Jakarta.
But the minister admitted that the aid delivery to several regions has been delayed due to infrastructure damage and road access buried under landslide debris.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that there are still isolated residents who have yet to receive aid. He mentioned that the government is working on distributing aid to these isolated areas today.
"The government is mobilizing all forces under the command of the Head of BNPB, as well as with assistance from the Police Chief and the Commander of the Indonesian armed forces (TNI)," said Gus Ipul.
Previously, the news of looting in Bulog warehouses was conveyed by the Head of the Bulog Regional Office in North Sumatra, Budi Cahyanto. Looting occurred in the Bulog Warehouse in Sarudik District, Sibolga City, North Sumatra.
"Looting occurred in several modern retail stores in Sibolga City, which spread to Bulog warehouses," Budi Cahyanto stated on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Security forces tried to disperse the crowd, but the situation became out of control due to the urgent need for food. "We understand that the community is in an emergency situation," said Budi in a written statement.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto confirmed that looting had indeed occurred in Aceh Tamiang, Aceh, and Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra. He said that a group of people attempted to take the logistics before distribution.
But he believed that there was no malicious intent behind these actions. "Perhaps because there are some who had not eaten in a few days, giving the impression of looting," he said on Sunday, November 30, 2025.