Bireuen, Aceh/Tribuneindonesia.com
The Regent of Bireuen, Haji Mukhlis St, has confirmed that all areas previously isolated by the catastrophic floods have now been fully reopened and are accessible. This announcement marks a critical milestone in the post-disaster recovery phase following what is recorded as the most extensive and devastating flood event in the history of Bireuen Regency.
Based on verified field reports and inter-agency coordination, the disaster directly affected approximately 114,000 households. The impacts include widespread damage to residential areas, severe disruption of livelihoods, and significant strain on the social fabric of local communities. These challenges are currently being addressed through structured, phased, and sustainable recovery measures.
Agricultural Crisis and Threats to Food Security
The most severe impact has been recorded in the strategic agricultural sector. More than 2,000 hectares of rice fields have suffered extensive damage, with many areas losing their productive capacity due to heavy sedimentation and fundamental changes in soil structure. The widespread destruction of irrigation networks has further exacerbated the situation, rendering large portions of farmland unsuitable for rice cultivation in the near term.
“This is not merely an economic loss; it directly concerns food security and the sustainability of livelihoods in Bireuen. For this reason, the recovery of the agricultural sector is being positioned as a strategic priority for the region,” stated Haji Mukhlis St.
Economic Stabilisation and Price Control
In the aftermath of the disaster, local authorities were also confronted with fluctuations in the prices of essential goods. Through measured market interventions, strengthened distribution channels, and cross-sector coordination, the Bireuen Regency Government has successfully curbed local inflation and stabilised prices, helping to preserve purchasing power amid crisis conditions.
Critical Infrastructure and Intergovernmental Synergy
In terms of infrastructure, numerous bridges and vital access routes that were previously damaged or cut off have been progressively restored. This achievement has been made possible through strong synergy between the Aceh Provincial Government and the Bireuen Regency Government.
The Regent specifically highlighted the resilience of the Teupin Reudeup Bridge in Peusangan Selatan District, which remains standing despite extreme water discharge levels and the absence of supporting pillars.
“We are grateful that this bridge has endured under such extraordinary conditions. Nevertheless, public safety remains our absolute priority, and continuous monitoring and further technical assessments are being carried out,” the Regent emphasised.
Humanitarian Recovery: The State’s Presence for the Most Vulnerable
Beyond physical reconstruction, Haji Mukhlis St underscored the importance of a dignity-based humanitarian approach. The government, together with volunteers, continues to clean and rehabilitate the homes of impoverished residents and widows who lack the financial means to recover independently, ensuring they are not left to bear the burden of disaster alone.
“We fully recognise that behind every statistic are human lives, families, and futures that must be protected. The state must be present—especially for those who are most vulnerable,” he affirmed.
Civil Society Appreciation for Local Leadership
On the same occasion, Arizal Mahdi, Chairman of Volunteers Caring for the People Across Borders, expressed high appreciation for the leadership and performance of Regent Haji Mukhlis St in managing the disaster response and accelerating regional recovery.
According to Arizal Mahdi, the Regent’s swift action, human-centred approach, and open communication demonstrate responsive leadership that genuinely prioritises the welfare of the people, particularly those most affected by the disaster.
“We have witnessed first-hand the presence of the state through the leadership of the Regent of Bireuen. This is not merely about rebuilding infrastructure, but about the courage to assume moral and humanitarian responsibility when the people are facing their most difficult circumstances,” said Arizal Mahdi.
He further affirmed that Volunteers Caring for the People Across Borders remains fully committed to continued collaboration with the Bireuen Regency Government in supporting recovery efforts, community assistance, and the strengthening of post-disaster social solidarity.
Commitment to Comprehensive Recovery and the Return of Displaced Residents
In closing, Regent Haji Mukhlis St reaffirmed the full commitment of the local government to accelerating a comprehensive and equitable recovery process, including ensuring that displaced residents can return to their homes as swiftly as possible under safe, habitable, and dignified conditions.
“We are not only rebuilding infrastructure, but also restoring social life, reinforcing public trust, and ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for Bireuen,” he concluded.
This statement was delivered during the “Ngopi Pagi” (Morning Coffee) forum—an initiative fostering synergy and collaboration between the Bireuen Regency Government and the press in the aftermath of floods and landslides—held at the Pendopo of the Regent of Bireuen. The forum serves as a strategic communication platform to strengthen transparency, unify recovery narratives, and collectively drive Bireuen’s resurgence.
