Disaster-hit communities face dual challenges as nutrition aid ramps up while fuel supply tightens
Severe floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have triggered a humanitarian emergency, with hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and critical supplies stretched. While emergency kitchens mobilize to feed refugees, North Sumatra now confronts a worsening fuel shortage that threatens mobility and economic recovery.
Massive Nutrition Response for Displaced Families
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency has deployed large-scale support to help tens of thousands displaced by the widespread flooding. A total of 286 Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units, known as MBG kitchens, are operating across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Agency Head Dadan Hindayana said on December 1, 2025, that these units are providing meals to approximately 600,000 refugees.
Aceh currently hosts 55 units, while North Sumatra and West Sumatra operate 173 and 66 units respectively. Dadan emphasized that the emergency kitchens were able to function immediately due to pre-established infrastructure, trained personnel, and consistent supply chains.
He noted that rapid mobilization ensured uninterrupted food distribution from the first day of the disaster. With casualties rising, timely nutrition aid has become a lifeline for affected communities.
Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that floods and landslides have claimed 442 lives across the three provinces, with 402 people still missing. BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto stated that North Sumatra remains the hardest-hit region, where recovery is progressing slower than in Aceh and West Sumatra.
Despite improved weather by the third day, conditions in North Sumatra continue to be challenging due to extensive damage and logistical constraints. Local authorities remain engaged in search, rescue, and recovery efforts.
Fuel Scarcity Adds Pressure to Disaster Zones
As floods disrupt transportation and distribution routes, North Sumatra is now grappling with an escalating fuel shortage. On December 1, long queues of motorcycles and cars stretched approximately 150 meters outside a gas station near Kualanamu Airport in Deli Serdang Regency.
Local drivers said pertalite and biosolar fuel types have become difficult to obtain following the Medan and Deli Serdang floods. The scarcity has spread beyond the disaster zone to cities such as Pematang Siantar.
Drivers Struggle With Limited and Costly Options
At a gas station in Pematang Siantar, queues nearly filled an entire traffic lane as drivers sought subsidized fuel. A truck driver named Saragih said non-subsidized solar fuel remained available, but its price was unaffordable for many. He noted that shortages of affordable fuel had persisted for a week. Residents fear that prolonged scarcity will hinder transport, goods delivery, and overall economic stability across the region.
Provincial Leaders Call for Immediate Action
Deputy Chair of the North Sumatra Regional Representatives Council, Sutarto, urged both the provincial government and Pertamina to take urgent strategic measures. He warned that fuel shortages could severely disrupt mobility and economic activity if left unresolved.
North Sumatra Vice Governor Surya echoed these concerns. He confirmed that complaints from multiple regions had been submitted to Pertamina Patra Niaga during a meeting at the Provincial Emergency Disaster Response Post on November 30. He acknowledged long queues in Medan and nearby areas and said the provincial government had summoned Pertamina to address the supply issue.
Combined Pressure on Recovery Efforts
The dual crises of mass displacement and fuel scarcity are placing significant pressure on emergency operations. While MBG kitchens continue feeding hundreds of thousands of refugees, limited fuel supplies could impede both humanitarian logistics and the movement of essential goods. Authorities in North Sumatra face the urgent task of stabilizing distribution channels while the broader recovery unfolds.
As Indonesia battles one of its most severe flood seasons in recent years, the combination of displacement, casualties, and fuel shortages underscores a multilayered crisis affecting millions. This situation highlights the need for rapid coordination between government agencies, local leaders, and national suppliers. For communities across Indonesia and neighboring Singapore, the unfolding events offer a critical reminder of the importance of resilient infrastructure, responsive governance, and sustained regional cooperation during large-scale disasters.
Sources: EN Tempo (2025) , EN Tempo 2 (2025)
Keywords: Indonesia Floods, MBG Kitchens, Fuel Scarcity, North Sumatra, Disaster Relief, BNPB
