Vladimir Putin’s condolences highlight international attention as Indonesia battles the aftermath of the Sumatra floods disaster.
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| Russia’s president Vladimir Putin attends a signing ceremony after meeting with his Indonesian counterpart in Saint Petersburg on June 19, 2025. Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/AFP/Getty Images |
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a message of sympathy to Indonesia as the country faces severe devastation caused by the Sumatra floods disaster. In his official statement, Putin offers condolences to President Prabowo Subianto and to the Indonesian people following catastrophic flash floods and landslides in the northern region of Sumatra Island. The disaster has claimed hundreds of lives, destroyed homes and infrastructure, and disrupted essential services across multiple provinces. As search-and-rescue teams race against time, the expression of support from Russia adds to the growing list of nations acknowledging the scale of the humanitarian emergency.
In a written message delivered through the Russian Presidential Office and relayed by the Russian Embassy in Jakarta, Putin offers condolences and expresses Russia’s solidarity with Indonesia during a period of widespread grief and uncertainty. Putin stated that he and the Russian people were deeply saddened by the loss of life and the massive destruction caused by the Sumatra floods disaster. He told President Prabowo that Russia shares Indonesia’s sorrow as communities struggle with the sudden destruction brought by days of extreme rainfall.
“Accept our deepest condolences for the loss of lives and the extensive damage caused by the floods in the northern part of Sumatra Island,” Putin said in his message of sympathy. The Russian leader emphasized that his government hopes affected areas will recover swiftly and that displaced residents will be able to return to a sense of normalcy once evacuation, shelter distribution, and reconstruction efforts progress.
Officials from the Russian Presidential Office described the devastation as a reminder of how vulnerable communities continue to face the impacts of extreme weather events. They added that when a large-scale disaster occurs, expressions of international sympathy serve an important role in signaling support and acknowledgment of shared global challenges. The statement underscored that Putin offers condolences not only to Indonesia’s leadership but also to families who have lost loved ones.
The Sumatra floods disaster began unfolding earlier in the week when flash floods and landslides swept through several districts in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Continuous rain beginning Tuesday, November 25, led to overflowing rivers, ground saturation, and landslide activity in multiple mountainous and low-lying regions. Entire villages were cut off as roads disappeared beneath mud and debris, while bridges collapsed under the force of relentless water flows.
Putin offers condolences at a time when Indonesia is confronting one of the deadliest natural disasters it has faced in years. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that as of Saturday, November 29, at least 303 people had been confirmed dead across the three affected provinces. Search teams also recorded 279 missing individuals and 18 injured. Of the total victims, 166 fatalities occurred in North Sumatra, 90 in West Sumatra, and 47 in Aceh.
Local officials noted that the disaster struck without sufficient warning, giving residents little time to evacuate. Many victims were swept away by sudden waves of water and mud, while others were trapped under landslide debris. Emergency personnel continue to search for survivors, though terrain conditions remain hazardous due to unstable slopes and ongoing rainfall.
The scale of the Sumatra floods disaster has overwhelmed local authorities, prompting the national government to accelerate resource deployment. Putin offers condolences during a period when Indonesia is mobilizing some of its largest emergency response operations in recent years. With transportation routes blocked and communication networks heavily disrupted, emergency teams face mounting challenges delivering supplies and reaching isolated communities.
Electricity outages in several districts have complicated rescue efforts, with some regions relying on generators and limited fuel to keep communication equipment functioning. Health facilities are struggling with patient surges, and many temporary shelters lack adequate bedding, sanitation, and clean water.
BNPB’s latest assessment shows that dozens of bridges, village roads, and hillside routes have either collapsed or been completely buried. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear debris, but landslide-prone areas remain inaccessible. Officials worry that the number of casualties could rise as access improves and more isolated communities are reached.
To respond to the widespread destruction, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have intensified air and sea operations. As of Saturday, a total of 11 helicopters have been mobilized to transport food, clean water, medical supplies, tents, and personnel into districts cut off by damaged roadways. These airborne operations are critical for reaching communities located in steep or remote areas where ground access is impossible.
Six naval warships (KRI) have also been deployed to the affected regions. Officials say these ships are being used to transport large quantities of aid, support evacuation operations, and deliver heavy equipment needed to clear debris. Naval personnel are coordinating closely with local authorities to establish safe landing zones and accelerate humanitarian deliveries.
Putin offers condolences at a moment when Indonesian forces are working beyond their capacity, with air crews flying repeated sorties and naval units redirecting resources to support the disaster response. The presence of helicopters and warships highlights the complexity of the terrain and the severity of the disruptions caused by the floods and landslides.
Russia’s expression of sympathy adds to a growing number of international reactions recognizing the gravity of the Sumatra floods disaster. While Putin offers condolences, several foreign governments and humanitarian organizations have initiated communication with Indonesian authorities to evaluate potential assistance. Analysts note that large-scale natural disasters often trigger global attention, especially when casualties reach into the hundreds and infrastructure failures disrupt entire regions.
International disaster response specialists point out that the scale of displacement, the number of destroyed homes, and the ongoing search for missing persons indicate that Indonesia will require sustained support. Many communities remain in shelters that lack sufficient sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Medical teams have reported shortages of antibiotics, clean water, and portable lighting.
Foreign governments are expected to continue monitoring the situation as Indonesia assesses long-term needs such as reconstruction, relocation of high-risk settlements, and environmental recovery. Although Putin offers condolences as a symbolic gesture, it also reflects Russia's acknowledgment of the scale of the crisis.
With hundreds dead and hundreds more still missing, the Indonesian government remains focused on immediate rescue and stabilization efforts. Officials are coordinating around the clock to reopen blocked routes, restore communication networks, and stabilize terrain to prevent secondary landslides.
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized national coordination to ensure that aid distribution reaches the most affected communities. Rescue teams are working closely with military units to expand the search perimeter in areas where residents remain unaccounted for. The presence of helicopters and naval ships has been crucial in extending the reach of search operations, though unpredictable weather continues to pose challenges.
While Putin offers condolences on behalf of Russia, Indonesian authorities stress that their priority is saving lives, locating missing persons, and restoring normal activity in devastated villages. As a rapidly evolving emergency, the disaster requires flexibility, continuous assessment, and expanded logistical support.
