Jakarta, December 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday said that during this year’s Christmas celebrations, the hearts and minds of nearly all Indonesians remain with communities affected by flash floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
In a nationally broadcast address, the President offered prayers for disaster-affected residents in Sumatra and other regions facing hardship due to natural disasters, asking Almighty God to grant them protection and strength.
“Amid this year’s Christmas celebrations, our hearts remain with our brothers and sisters who are facing the impacts of disasters in several parts of our country, in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and also in other areas of our homeland,” President Prabowo said. He expressed hope that the suffering of affected communities would be eased and called on all Indonesians to continue working together to overcome the challenges faced by fellow citizens.
The President urged the nation to strengthen unity, solidarity and mutual care, emphasising the importance of setting aside differences for the greater good. “We must stand united and work together, putting aside our differences for the sake of the people we love,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the government and in his personal capacity, President Prabowo extended Christmas greetings to Christians across the country. He expressed hope that the peace and promise of Christmas would bring comfort to those in need. “May the peace and hope of Christmas be with you all, and may Almighty God always protect the entire Indonesian nation,” he said.
In several districts and cities affected by the disasters, particularly in North Sumatra, communities observed Christmas with modest worship services held in churches that had been cleared of thick mud left by flash floods. In other areas, services were conducted in temporary shelters and evacuation tents.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), flash floods and landslides that struck several districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra on November 25 caused widespread devastation. As of December 25, the death toll had reached 1,135, with 173 people still reported missing as search and rescue operations continue. Nearly 490,000 people remain displaced, while tens of thousands of homes have been damaged, the agency said.
