West Sumatra's Flash Floods Threaten Logistics Supply as Main Road Collapses

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Sarman Simanjorang assessed that the collapse of the national road linking Padang and Bukittinggi due to flash floods in West Sumatra has disrupted the distribution of trade commodity supplies, which will ultimately impede the economy of the affected regions.

“From a business perspective, when a natural disaster occurs, especially floods and landslides that have caused traffic jams or disruption of transportation, it will certainly impact trade flows, especially logistics transportation,” he told Tempo on Monday, May 13.

He noted that logistic transport, which carries various commodities such as food, beverages, fuel oil, plantation and agricultural products, palm oil, and coal, would be the most impacted. He assessed that the effect on trade was not only felt by the West Sumatra region but also by other regions that frequently get supplies from there.

“Particularly if, for example, it is the sole route,” he said, stressing that the resolution is to dispatch it via an alternative route.

However, he expressed concern about delays. Therefore, he hoped that the regional governments could be proactive in coordinating and mitigating the escalating adverse effects, particularly on the regional economy.

“The government must take prompt action, so we hope that the damaged infrastructure, especially the highway, will be repaired immediately and not disrupt the logistics routes,” Sarman said.

Flash floods ravaged several areas in West Sumatra on Saturday evening, May 11. In Silaiang, Tanah Datar Regency, the national road connecting Padang-Pekanbaru via Padang Panjang was cut off due to surging floodwaters.

NOVALI PANJI NUGROHO

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