ACEH TAMIANG | INDATANEWS.COM - The Government of Aceh has officially marked the start of a symbolic rice planting activity in Bukit Panjang Village, Karang Baru Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang Regency, signaling a major step in the recovery of the agricultural sector following a hydrometeorological disaster. The ceremony was led by the Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Government, M. Nasir, who represented Aceh Governor H. Muzakir Manaf.
The opening of the planting season is seen as a sign of recovery for Aceh's agricultural sector after severe floods and landslides that damaged tens of thousands of hectares of rice fields and plantations across the province. The provincial government emphasized that the activity is not merely ceremonial, but marks the real restart of food production in affected areas.
A number of senior officials accompanied the provincial secretary during the event, including the Assistant for Economy and Development T. Robby Irza, Acting Head of the Aceh Agriculture and Plantation Agency Azanuddin Kurnia, and Aceh Tamiang Regent Armia Pahmi. Their presence highlights strong cross-sector collaboration to accelerate agricultural recovery efforts.
Severe Impact of the Disaster
Nasir stated that the hydrometeorological disaster caused significant damage to the agricultural sector, affecting a total of 57,364 hectares of rice fields and 60,438 hectares of plantation land. Aceh Tamiang was among the hardest-hit areas, particularly due to mudflows and sediment deposits that rendered productive land unusable.
He noted that agricultural production had been severely disrupted, posing risks to farmers' economic stability. However, the government moved quickly to implement recovery measures.
ACCELERATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND RECOVERY: Statements by Secretary M. Nasir regarding the accelerated rehabilitation of damaged agricultural areas in Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Land Restoration Becomes a Priority
The restoration and optimization of damaged rice fields has been set as a top priority by the Aceh government, aiming to fully stabilize the community's economic activities.
According to Nasir, a significant portion of the affected land has already entered the rehabilitation phase and is being reused. This progress is the result of close coordination between multiple institutions and local farming communities.
He also expressed appreciation to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, the Aceh Agriculture and Plantation Agency, the Aceh Tamiang Regency Government, the Military Command (Kodam Iskandar Muda), and farmer groups actively involved in the recovery process.
"This first planting is not merely a routine sowing activity, but a symbol that our farmers remain resilient and optimistic in ensuring
food security in Aceh," Nasir said.
IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE REHABILITATION: Collaboration between the Government of Aceh and the Ministry of Agriculture to improve irrigation systems across 18 regions. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Central and Regional Governments Strengthen Cooperation
Support from the Ministry of Agriculture, according to Nasir, plays a crucial role in accelerating the recovery of the agricultural sector. Strong coordination between central and regional governments is seen as the key to maintaining food security stability in the region.
Nasir further revealed that the progress of the damaged land optimization program has currently reached 32 percent. The strategic program covers construction and rehabilitation efforts across 18 regencies and cities in Aceh.
Implementation is being carried out in stages based on the severity of damage: lightly damaged areas are undergoing basic optimization, while moderately damaged areas require more comprehensive rehabilitation. Once physical reconstruction is completed, land preparation will follow to resume agricultural activities.
Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure
In addition to land restoration, the government is also improving agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems such as pump and piping networks. Conservation structures, secondary irrigation channels, and farm roads (Jalan Usaha Tani) are also being repaired.
These measures are expected to restore the smooth transport of agricultural goods and improve farmers' mobility.
"Through this intensive collaboration, the Government of Aceh is optimistic that tens of thousands of hectares of damaged land will soon return to productive use, improving farmers' welfare," Nasir concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Adli Safwan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala