Banda Aceh - Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), conducted a direct visit to Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar) on Thursday (04/12/2025) to deliver assistance to residents affected by floods and landslides.

The visit was part of Kadin’s efforts to assess on-the-ground conditions and formulate further measures in coordination with the government and business stakeholders.

During his visit to Aceh, Anindya often referred to as Anin stressed that the disaster striking the region was a major event requiring a swift, integrated, and sustained response.

“We see that this disaster is extremely serious in its impact, and we truly appreciate the central and regional governments for working together to address it. As representatives of the business community and the government’s strategic partner, we are here to witness firsthand and capture the real situation,” said Anin, who was accompanied by Chairman of Kadin Aceh Muhammad Iqbal Piyeung.

Anin further noted that Kadin has begun considering medium-term recovery measures, ranging from restoring regional connectivity to rebuilding housing and supporting the community’s economic revival.

“Many infrastructures have been cut off, so while disaster response remains our immediate focus, we must also begin planning the next steps particularly with the government such as infrastructure repairs and housing, given that 75,000 houses have been affected,” Anin explained.

He emphasized that local businesses, especially MSMEs, are among the most vulnerable groups impacted by the disaster.

“We are always thinking about how business owners, especially MSMEs, can continue their economic activities. Their next business may not necessarily be the same as before. And we can see that many of them live along the riverbanks, making their lives extremely difficult when disasters like this occur,” said Anin.

Before concluding his visit to Aceh, Anin visited the Aceh Governor’s Office, which also serves as the Emergency Command Post for the 2025 Hydrometeorological Disaster, to gather detailed data and urgent needs.

“We came directly to the governor’s office to look at detailed data so we can return and identify what immediate assistance is needed, especially since many victims are still missing. I am also grateful for the strong cooperation shown by the business community,” Anin stated.

Kadin ensured that the distribution of aid was carried out in coordination with regional governments, Kadin Aceh, and private-sector representatives. Several business groups and humanitarian organizations including the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation, Bakrie Group, Adaro, and Sinarmas have expressed their support.

“Of course, we do not want to get ahead of the process. We want to fully understand the real conditions on the ground,” Anin concluded.

Visit to North Sumatra: Focus on Emergency Response and Urgent Needs

Following Banda Aceh, the visit continued to Medan, North Sumatra (Sumut). There, Anin emphasized that Kadin’s current priority is emergency response.

“Clothing, medicine, and food supplies are urgently needed. We also discussed the deployment of heavy equipment to South and Central Tapanuli, as well as the need for motorcycles and water purification units. These are extremely important,” Anin said after distributing aid, accompanied by Chairman of Kadin North Sumatra Firsal Ferial Mutyara. The assistance was received directly by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution at Soewondo Air Base, Medan, on Thursday afternoon (04/12/2025).

Anin explained that Kadin is also preparing support for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. He noted that many of Kadin’s constituents were ready to help but uncertain about the proper distribution channels.

“Going forward, we want to focus on rehabilitation and renovation. We are very eager to support the reconstruction of housing, along with adequate water and electricity infrastructure,” he added.

Visit to West Sumatra: Prioritizing Equipment and Emergency Relief

From Aceh and Medan on the same day, the visit continued to Padang, West Sumatra (Sumbar).

Upon arriving in Padang in the evening, Anin accompanied by Chairman of Kadin West Sumatra Buchari Bachter met with West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy at the Governor’s Office, which also serves as the Integrated Emergency Response Post.

Anin expressed condolences for the high number of casualties, particularly in Agam District. He added that the regional government had outlined several urgent needs, including dump trucks, generators, water purification systems, and heavy machinery.

“We will prioritize these needs. We have raised sufficient funds for emergency response and will later focus on rehabilitation and restoration efforts,” Anin said.

Anin’s visit to the disaster-hit areas in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra was also joined by Nita Yudi, Kadin Indonesia Deputy Chair for Social Affairs and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Businesswomen Association (IWAPI); Ivan Iskandar Batubara, Kadin Indonesia Deputy Chair for Sumatra Region I (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung); and Akbar Himawan Buchari, Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI).