Sumatra Rice Fields Recovering, Planting Area Increases 44 Percent in 20 Days

Efforts to restore rice fields damaged by floods in Sumatra are gaining momentum, with authorities reporting significant progress in bringing land back into cultivation. The Task Force for Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, under the command of the Minister of Home Affairs, has facilitated the entry of 3,256 hectares of rice fields into the planting season as of June 2, 2026.

"The restoration of affected rice fields continues to be pushed to strengthen community food security," stated Task Force Spokesperson Amran on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. In just 20 days, from May 13 to June 2, 2026, the area of restored rice fields increased by 99 hectares, representing a 44 percent rise. Initially, 2,259 hectares were ready for planting, all located in West Sumatra. Now, an additional 939 hectares in West Sumatra and 58 hectares in Aceh have been replanted.

This achievement indicates steady progress toward the target set by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Tomsi Tohir, on April 30. The goal is to accelerate the planting season before the peak dry season in August. Across three provinces, the 3,256 hectares represent 8 percent of the total rehabilitation target of 42,702 hectares. The restoration process involves planning, construction, land preparation, and finally, planting.

West Sumatra shows particularly strong performance, with 82 percent of its 3,902-hectare target already restored. Solok Regency has achieved 91 percent rehabilitation of its 1,500-hectare target. Other areas like Pasaman Barat, Solok City, and Pariaman City have reached 100 percent restoration. In Aceh, Bireuen Regency has completed restoration for 58 hectares out of 2,620 hectares affected in the regency, and 31,464 hectares in the province. North Sumatra, however, has not yet begun planting on any of its 7,336 targeted hectares, with rehabilitation efforts still in the construction phase at 49 percent completion. Funding allocated for this sector totals Rp 337.9 billion, distributed among Aceh (Rp 221.5 billion), North Sumatra (Rp 83.8 billion), and West Sumatra (Rp 32.6 billion).