Indonesian Vice President urges loan relief and fast reconstruction for flood-hit West Sumatra

Gibran toured the flood-stricken Arosuka district on September 25, urging officials to quickly locate residents who still owe bank loans and to ease their repayment terms. He stressed that loan-related pressure must not worsen the hardship of those affected by the flash floods that began on September 21. In addition to financial aid, he directed ministries and local governments to accelerate the restoration of agricultural fields, emphasizing Solok’s role in supplying rice and other staples to Sumatra and the nation.

Medium-term infrastructure projects such as river dredging, widening, and the building of sabo dams were presented to reduce future sediment risks. Gibran also ordered the rapid construction of permanent homes in safe zones, ensuring they remain accessible to residents’ workplaces. He concluded by calling for coordinated action among all agencies to deliver aid efficiently.