Indonesia Assesses Cultural Heritage Damage in Sumatra After Disasters

Jakarta: The government is surveying cultural heritage sites and museums damaged by floods and landslides across Sumatra since late November 2025, Culture Minister Fadli Zon said, as authorities prepare a phased rehabilitation plan to safeguard national heritage.

The assessment will serve as the basis for restoration efforts and long-term protection of cultural assets affected by disasters in several provinces on the island.

“In the initial phase, we recorded around 43 affected heritage sites and museums. That number has increased and is now estimated at about 70 locations,” Fadli told reporters in Jakarta on Sunday, as quoted by Antara on Monday.

He said the damaged sites include district- and provincial-level heritage assets as well as nationally designated landmarks, ranging from mosques and churches to historic cemeteries and museums.

The Culture Ministry has allocated funds for early recovery measures such as debris removal, cleaning, and minor repairs once the emergency response period ends.

Beyond physical damage, the ministry is also addressing the welfare of cultural workers and custodians responsible for safeguarding heritage sites who were impacted by the disasters.

According to Fadli, the government has mobilized humanitarian assistance totaling about Rp1.5 billion to cover basic needs, including food and clothing, for affected communities.

“Cultural heritage is not only about buildings. It represents a community’s identity and historical memory, which is why its recovery must be an integral part of post-disaster rehabilitation,” he said.

Fadli stressed the importance of swift but careful assessments to ensure recovery efforts are well targeted and coordinated among central and regional authorities, conservation experts, and local communities.

Rehabilitation will be carried out in stages, with strict adherence to conservation principles to preserve the historical value and authenticity of each site.

He added that protecting heritage sites in disaster-prone areas has become a long-term priority, including strengthening mitigation measures and preparedness to reduce future damage.