Indonesian Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian inspected rice fields in Meurah Dua District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, following reports of extensive mud damage caused by recent flooding.
Damage Assessment and Concerns
Approximately 1,500 hectares of rice fields owned by the local community have been severely impacted by heavy mud deposits. In some areas, the mud is between fifty centimeters and one meter thick. Thousands of additional hectares have sustained mild to moderate damage.
Minister Karnavian, who also heads the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for the Sumatra Region, expressed concern that the damage could reduce rice production. “This is a great shame for the people, and our rice production could also be reduced,” he stated.
Rehabilitation Efforts
Accelerated land rehabilitation is considered crucial to restoring the affected fields for planting. Minister Karnavian hopes the Ministry of Agriculture will address the situation promptly, specifically requesting the attention of Minister Amran Sulaiman.
The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated approximately Rp336 billion to accelerate the rehabilitation of flood-affected rice fields in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. According to Director General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation, Hermanto, the funds will focus on restoring fields with light to moderate damage to maintain regional food supplies. This program follows an initial rehabilitation effort that began on January 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the flooding?
The flooding has primarily impacted rice fields in Meurah Dua District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh.
Who is overseeing the disaster response?
Indonesian Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian is leading the response as Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for the Sumatra Region.
What is the status of funding for rehabilitation?
The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated approximately Rp336 billion to accelerate the rehabilitation of flood-affected rice fields in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
As rehabilitation efforts commence, will the allocated funds be sufficient to fully restore the damaged agricultural land and prevent long-term food security concerns in the region?
