January 21, 2026 — The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala, emphasized that recurrent flooding in Aceh—particularly within the Tamiang and Peusangan River Basins (DAS)—is a clear indication of the region’s high vulnerability to hydrometeorological disasters. This condition requires mitigation approaches based on risk modelling and long-term spatial planning.
This statement was delivered by Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, Director of TDMRC, during the iLearn Thematic Webinar titled “Natural Catastrophe & Risk Modelling”, which was conducted online. In his presentation, Prof. Syamsidik explained that Aceh Tamiang has repeatedly experienced major floods, including in 2006, 2022, 2023, and late 2025.
Comparison of satellite imagery and field conditions in Bireuen and Aceh Tamiang before and after flooding. The flood event on November 27, 2025, shows extensive inundation caused by river overflow, with significant impacts on surrounding residential areas.
“Tamiang River Basin is one of the largest river basins in Aceh and has a very high level of flood vulnerability. In certain river segments, relocation has even become the only realistic option, as seen in Lintang Village, Kuala Simpang,” said Prof. Syamsidik.
However, he emphasized that relocation should be considered a last resort due to its complex social, economic, and spatial planning challenges. According to him, the lack of significant changes in land-use patterns and river buffer zones over many years has exacerbated flood risks.
A map showing the distribution of damaged bridge locations within the Peusangan River Basin, indicating damaged abutments, bridge superstructures swept away due to prolonged overtopping, and collapsed bridge piers caused by riverbed scouring.
Prof. Syamsidik also presented field observation results revealing severe damage to bridge infrastructure in several areas of Aceh, particularly in the Peusangan River Basin and Bireuen. The identified damage includes:
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Severe abrasion and erosion of bridge abutments,
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Bridge superstructures swept away due to prolonged overtopping, and
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Collapse of bridge piers caused by riverbed scouring.
A daily rainfall chart from several observation stations showing extreme rainfall intensity spikes reaching approximately 300 mm per day, which served as a major trigger for large-scale flooding in Aceh.
In addition, daily rainfall data indicate extreme rainfall intensity surges, with daily accumulations reaching around 300 mm at several observation stations. Prof. Syamsidik noted that although such events have rarely been recorded in Aceh, climate change may shift storm patterns and increase rainfall intensity in equatorial regions.
During the discussion, TDMRC also warned of the risk of a false sense of security arising from the construction of physical flood control infrastructure, such as levees, without strict spatial planning controls.
“Levees often encourage communities to settle closer to rivers. Ideally, there should be a protected buffer zone of at least 50 meters from the levee, free of buildings and functioning as a buffer area,” Prof. Syamsidik stressed.
He added that risk modelling should be used not only for technical planning, but also as a basis for spatial policy, social mitigation strategies, and the determination of risk protection parameters by the insurance and reinsurance industries.
A map showing the distribution of flood-affected areas in Aceh Province, indicating that the highest numbers of fatalities and housing damage occurred in North Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, and Bireuen.
Prof. Syamsidik also presented data on the number of houses damaged by flooding. The chart shows that North Aceh and Aceh Tamiang recorded the highest levels of housing damage, followed by East Aceh and Bireuen. These data confirm that flood impacts are not merely temporary but also cause structural damage to residential areas.
It was also reported that the total death toll reached 561 people, illustrating the magnitude of the disaster. He emphasized that flooding in Aceh is not an isolated event, but rather a regional disaster with widespread impacts, requiring mitigation approaches based on risk mapping, river basin management, and cross-district/city policy coordination.
Currently, TDMRC, together with the Universitas Syiah Kuala team, has established a Task Force (Satgas) for Senyar Aceh 2025 Response to advocate to local and central governments for the development of flood control infrastructure in at least three priority river basins: Meureudu, Peusangan, and Tamiang River Basins. Out of 23 districts/cities in Aceh Province, 18 districts/cities were affected, with 10 of them designated as USK Task Force working areas due to the severity of impacts. Nevertheless, limited funding for rehabilitation and reconstruction remains a major challenge for comprehensive disaster response efforts. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration among academia, government, and industry is essential to build a more adaptive and sustainable disaster risk management system in Indonesia.
A map of the Universitas Syiah Kuala Task Force working areas covering 10 districts/cities with the most severe flood impacts, serving as a basis for prioritizing mitigation and disaster response.
The webinar also featured Dr. M. Rais Abdillah, Head of the Undergraduate Meteorology Program at ITB, who discussed meteorological aspects of natural disasters, and was moderated by Fiza Wira Atmaja, Head of the Industry Research Department at Indonesia Re. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between disaster research, climate understanding, and industry in developing a more sustainable disaster risk management system in Indonesia.
