Indonesia Mobilizes Aid as Mud Engulfs 1,500 Hectares of Aceh Rice Fields
Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh – Indonesian authorities are responding to a crisis impacting the region’s food security as approximately 1,500 hectares of rice fields remain submerged under thick layers of mud following recent flooding. The damage, concentrated in the Meurah Dua District, has prompted a visit from Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian and a commitment of Rp336 billion (approximately $21.8 million USD) for rehabilitation efforts.
Extent of the Damage
Minister Karnavian, who also heads the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction for the Sumatra Region, inspected the affected areas on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He reported that the mud accumulation in some locations reaches between 50 centimeters and one meter thick. Beyond the 1,500 hectares completely covered in mud, thousands of additional hectares have sustained mild to moderate damage Tempo.
Impact on Food Supply
Pidie Jaya Regency is a significant agricultural area, encompassing approximately 8,800 hectares of farmland. The extensive damage to rice fields raises concerns about potential reductions in rice production. “This is a great shame for the people, and our rice production could also be reduced,” Karnavian stated Tempo.
Government Response and Rehabilitation Efforts
The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to take a leading role in the rehabilitation process. Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman has been urged to prioritize the restoration of the affected land to ensure it can be replanted quickly. A budget of Rp336 billion has been allocated to accelerate the rehabilitation of rice fields not only in Aceh but also in North Sumatra and West Sumatra Tempo.
According to Hermanto, Director General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation at the Ministry of Agriculture, the funds will be used to restore rice fields with light to moderate damage, aiming to maintain regional food supplies Tempo. The rehabilitation program began on January 15, 2026.
Ongoing Assessment and Support
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate support for affected farmers. The situation remains critical as the region works to recover its agricultural capacity and prevent disruptions to the food supply CNN Indonesia.
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