Fachri Hamzah, Jakarta – The recovery from flash floods in West Sumatra requires a comprehensive approach. This includes everything from accurate data collection to strict law enforcement in spatial planning.
Professor Febrin Anas Ismail, an expert in mechanical engineering and structural engineering at Andalas University, explained these steps that the government needs to take after the emergency response period is lifted.
"When we talk about recovery, the first thing to consider is data. The data must be accurate because it will be the basis for planning the recovery process," Febrin said in an interview with Tempo on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
He stated that the data collection should cover various sectors, including houses, road and bridge infrastructure, as well as public buildings such as mosques and healthcare facilities. This data will form the basis for the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (R3P) through the Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) method.
Febrin mentioned that the flooding was not only caused by high rainfall, but also due to land use conversion and weak law enforcement in spatial planning, especially in riverbanks."We have been aware of natural behavior for a long time. That's why in other countries, the 30-50 meter areas on both sides of the river cannot be utilized; they are only for the river," he explained.
He gave the example of other countries using riverbanks for sports fields and recreational areas. This way, when floods occur, casualties can be minimized. "The problem is just law enforcement, the enforcement of the law. Our regulations are not effectively implemented there," he said.
Febrin believes that both the government and the community have a responsibility in this matter. "On one hand, it's the government's responsibility. On the other hand, the community sometimes finds it difficult as well. Without sanctions, the community tends to remain comfortable in that situation," he said.
The importance of national disaster status in recovery
Regarding the debate on declaring a national disaster, Febrin explained that this designation guarantees a better recovery. "If it is a local or regional disaster, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is usually in charge. While the central government provides incentives, in the form of stimulus funds," he commented.
He stated that the national disaster status will involve all ministries and can be synergized, and funds can be disbursed through on-call funds. "The central government has the responsibility to ensure that what is stated in the R3P can be realized," he explained.
If there is no national status, Febrin used the example of the eruption of Mount Merapi, which was only categorized as a regional disaster. Although President Jokowi promised to build 50 sabo dams for prevention, there was no guarantee of continuity because it was a local disaster.
"If it's just a regional status, people tend to forget about it. It's over. It's calmed down. That's it. Many bridges may not have been repaired yet. How many more years do we have to wait for the budget?" he said.
Additionally, Febrin mentioned that the road to Batusangkar, which was damaged by a disaster two years ago, remains in a deteriorated condition due to limitations in the Regional Budget (APBD). "The province is struggling. Even with regular funding, it is already insufficient, let alone for a disaster like this," he said.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2075946/sumatra-flood-recovery-efforts-and-push-for-national-disaster-statu