Indonesia expects recovery costs from the recent devastating floods and cyclones in Southeast Asia to surpass $3 billion, as authorities continue assessing the full scale of destruction across Sumatra.
Government officials estimate that reconstruction on Sumatra Island alone will require 51.82 trillion rupiah ($3.11 billion). The death toll from the disaster has climbed to 950, with another 274 people still missing as of Monday, December 8, 2025, according to Reuters. The storm system also caused around 200 fatalities in southern Thailand and Malaysia.
Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), told a cabinet meeting in Aceh—chaired by President Prabowo Subianto—that the total cost may rise as assessments continue in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Aceh faces the heaviest burden, needing 25.41 trillion rupiah, while North Sumatra and West Sumatra require 12.88 trillion and 13.52 trillion rupiah respectively. He added that reconstruction will soon begin in parts of North Sumatra and West Sumatra where conditions have stabilised. Displaced families living in emergency shelters will first be moved to 40-square-metre temporary plywood houses built by the government, before eventually receiving permanent homes constructed by the housing ministry.
President Prabowo said his own calculations were “similar” to the initial estimates, but did not confirm whether he would approve the proposed spending. He emphasised that the government has the capacity to manage the recovery effort carefully. Prabowo noted that some areas remain in critical condition, with extensive damage to rice fields, dams, and residential areas. He stressed that rebuilding homes and ensuring the supply of medicine and clothing to affected communities must remain top priorities.
