Flooding has left approximately 1,500 hectares of rice fields in Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh, Indonesia, submerged in thick mud, threatening local food supplies and livelihoods. Indonesian Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian inspected the damage firsthand on Saturday, February 21, 2026, emphasizing the urgent need for support from the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite recovery efforts. The affected area, a crucial agricultural region for the province, could see significant reductions in rice production if the mud isn’t cleared quickly.
Pidie Jaya Regency is considered a key food source for the region, boasting a total agricultural area of around 8,800 hectares. The extensive damage – with mud depths reaching between 50 centimeters and one meter in some areas – poses a serious challenge to the region’s agricultural output. Beyond the 1,500 hectares severely impacted, thousands of additional hectares have sustained lighter to moderate damage, compounding the problem.
“This is a great shame for the people, and our rice production could also be reduced,” Minister Karnavian stated, according to reports. He urged swift action from the Ministry of Agriculture to address the situation and restore the land’s productivity. The Minister of Agriculture, Amran Sulaiman, is expected to prioritize the rehabilitation efforts.
The Indonesian government has already allocated approximately Rp336 billion (roughly $20.7 million USD as of February 22, 2026, based on current exchange rates) to accelerate the rehabilitation of flood-affected rice fields across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Antara News reported that the funds will be used to restore rice fields with light to moderate damage, aiming to quickly return them to production and safeguard regional food security.
Rehabilitation Program Underway Since January
The current rehabilitation program began on January 15, 2026, as a follow-up to initial recovery efforts. Hermanto, Director General of Agricultural Land and Irrigation at the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the budget is intended to ensure a rapid return to productivity and maintain regional food supplies. Detik News reported that the Ministry is prioritizing the clearing of mud and restoring irrigation systems.
Minister Karnavian’s visit to Pidie Jaya on February 21st followed a previous inspection of flood-affected areas in Bireuen Regency, where he reportedly praised the positive progress of post-disaster recovery. Kompas.com detailed the Minister’s continued commitment to overseeing the rehabilitation process across the Sumatra region.
Impact on Local Communities
The damage to the rice fields directly impacts the livelihoods of farmers in Pidie Jaya Regency. The loss of crops and the time required to rehabilitate the land will create economic hardship for many families. The government’s swift allocation of funds and the focus on rapid rehabilitation are crucial steps in mitigating the long-term consequences of the flooding.
Earlier in January, Minister Karnavian delivered aid to Pidie Jaya, including essential supplies like water, food, and tools, to support immediate relief efforts. Suara.com reported that the aid package included 100 packages of mineral water, 65 packages of instant noodles, 13 sacks of rice (50kg each), 20 hoes, and 10 wheelbarrows.
Looking ahead, the success of the rehabilitation efforts will depend on the continued coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, local authorities, and affected communities. Monitoring the progress of the land clearing and ensuring the timely distribution of resources will be essential to restoring agricultural productivity in Pidie Jaya Regency.
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