Floods and Landslides in Aceh-Sumatera: Casualties Rise, Handling Efforts Continue

The flash floods and landslides that have struck the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra since the end of November 2025 continue to show very serious impacts. Extreme rainfall due to severe weather triggered by tropical phenomena caused rivers to overflow and hillsides to collapse, flooding residential areas and damaging critical infrastructure in various regions. As of December 24, 2025, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded that the death toll had reached 1,129 people, while thousands of residents were still displaced and dozens more were declared missing.

The affected victims not only lost their lives, but also their homes and livelihoods. BNPB reported that the number of refugees continues to increase, reaching hundreds of thousands of people at various affected locations. Additionally, damage to homes, schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and bridges exacerbated the emergency situation that the government and volunteers had to manage. This emergency situation prompted the local government to extend the emergency response status in order to expedite the response and assistance to the affected community.

The main causes of this disaster, beside the abnormally heavy rainfall, are the geographical characteristics of the Sumatra region, which is prone to flooding and landslides. Environmental experts say that the combination of extreme weather and environmental degradation, such as deforestation in upstream areas, is worsening the impact of disasters, causing rainwater to not be retained and flow directly into residential areas. This phenomenon is of significant concern to experts and policymakers for evaluating future disaster mitigation efforts.

Various parties are now working hard to mitigate the impact of the disaster. The central and local governments, along with BNPB, the Indonesian National Army and Police, and volunteers, are continuing to search for victims, evacuate, distribute logistical aid, and clear debris and mud from the affected areas. Food aid and basic necessities, including a shipment of 1.5 tons of rendang and thousands of tons of other logistics, have been sent to evacuation points to ease the burden on residents. In addition, the government is also preparing a direct cash assistance program of at least Rp8 million per family to help with economic and social recovery.

Meski begitu, tantangan besar masih dihadapi di lapangan, terutama akses ke daerah-daerah terpencil yang masih terputus akibat longsor. Otoritas setempat terus mengupayakan pembukaan kembali jalur transportasi dan pemulihan fasilitas umum agar kehidupan masyarakat dapat kembali normal. Bencana ini juga membuka ruang diskusi lebih luas tentang perlu tidaknya ditetapkan status bencana nasional agar penanganan dan bantuan dapat lebih cepat dan terkoordinasi secara menyeluruh.

Aceh, Sumatera Floods and Landslides: When Water Swallows Homes and Hopes

The heavy rain that has been relentless since the end of November 2025 is not just a matter of numbers in the weather report. For the residents of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, it was the beginning of nites filled with anxiety, as the strong currents of water began to knock down house fences, submerge roads, and separate families from the comforts of daily life. At the beginning of the incident, hundreds of homes were already affected. Now, after several weeks have passed, the death toll continues to rise and the trail of destruction is becoming increasingly visible in the corners of the affected settlements. According to BNPB data, the number of fatalities from flash floods and landslides has reached 1,129, with hundreds of thousands of residents displaced to evacuation sites for their safety.

For Rina (35), a mother from North Aceh, the first morning after the floodwaters receded was the most heartbreaking time. The house that for decades witnessed the laughter of his children now only has muddy floors and walls that no longer stand straight. "We lost everything in a matter of hours," he said, staring at the soaking wet remains of his clothes. Similar stories are heard from other families in North Sumatra, where residents are forced to sleep in evacuation tents with thousands of others, waiting for a bag of rice, a blanket, and a little peace amidst the sound of rain that sometimes reminds them of fearful nights.

It's not just the loss of life and material damage that makes this tragedy so heavy. Environmental experts say this disaster is not solely due to heavy rainfall – an extreme natural factor – but also an accumulation of land use changes over decades. Deforestation in the watershed prevents rainwater from being absorbed naturally, causing it to flow faster and become uncontrollable when it falls in large quantities. "Extreme rainfall is indeed the peak, but the loss of forest cover upstream exacerbates the impact of this flood," said one environmental researcher.

Emergency response efforts are now underway at various affected points. Volunteers, the Indonesian military and police, as well as social organizations, are working day and nite to distribute logistical aid, reopen road access, and evacuate residents who are still trapped. Solidarity also grew from various directions; local communities, student organizations, and humanitarian organizations all came to provide assistance, from ready-to-eat meals to psychosocial support for children who had lost their sense of security. Nevertheless, the need for assistance is still very great – from food and clean water to adequate healthcare – because many villages are still isolated and difficult to reach.

What is happening in Aceh and Sumatra today is not just statistical figures or ordinary disaster news. This is a glimpse into how disasters can change the face of a community in an instant, and how resilience and solidarity are key to bouncing back. Long-term recovery is also being planned, including rebuilding homes for residents who lost their homes. However, for some families, the journey back to normal life is still long and challenging.

Steve Jobs: The Adopted Child Who Changed the World from a Small Garage

In a simple garage in Los Altos, California, two young men named Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak once sat for hours tinkering with electronic devices. No one could have predicted that this small space would one day witness the birth of Apple – the technology company that changed the way humans view computers, music, mobile phones, and even digital lifestyles. Jobs, who was born on February 24, 1955, and adopted as an infant, grew up as a curious figure who was never satisfied with the ordinary. He believes technology is not just about function, but also about beauty, emotion, and experience.

In his youth, Jobs was known not as the most brilliant technician, but as a visionary capable of seeing the future. If Wozniak was an expert at assembling machines, then Jobs was the figure who gave "soul" to Apple products. In 1976, they started Apple Computer by selling the Apple I — a hand-assembled home computer. That's where the long journey began: the Apple II, the Macintosh, and various other innovations that slowly established Apple as a symbol of creativity and the courage to challenge the mainstream of the technology industry.

However, Jobs' life was not always smooth. In 1985, he was actually fired from the company he founded himself after internal conflicts. Instead of giving up, Jobs founded a new company called NeXT and bought a small animation studio that is now known as Pixar. From there, legendary animated films like Toy Story were born. When Apple was nearly bankrupt in the late 1990s, Jobs returned – and the tech world has never been the same since. The iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad became icons of the digital revolution he led with a simple philosophy: elegant, functional, and easy-to-use design.

Behind his assertiveness and perfectionism, many remember Jobs as someone who could ignite the passion of others. He often talks about following intuition, the courage to take risks, and the meaning of failure for human growth. His 2005 speech at Stanford became one of the most influential messages in the modern world: Stay hungry, stay foolish. That sentence wasn't just a slogan, but a reflection of his life – always hungry for discovery, and not afraid to look "strange" for the sake of a great idea.

Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. However, his greatest legacy is not just Apple products, but a new way of seeing technology as part of art, culture, and humanity. From an adopted child who grew up with simplicity, Jobs proved that dreams, perseverance, and the courage to be different can change the world.

Jeff Bezos: From Humble Garage to World E-commerce King

In a small Seattle garage in 1994, a bespectacled man with a distinctive laugh named Jeff Bezos sat in front of an old computer. Around him was a simple desk, scattered cables, and a cardboard sign with the word “Amazon” painted on it. There was nothing special about the room—except for the big dream that quietly grew in Bezos’s mind: making the internet the future of global commerce. And so, Amazon was born, starting as an online bookstore run by Bezos and his small team.

Jeffrey Preston Bezos was born on January 12, 1964, in New Mexico. His childhood was filled with extraordinary curiosity. He often took apart household appliances just to see how everything worked. His mother remarried Miguel Bezos, a Cuban immigrant, who later adopted him. Since then, Bezos has grown up believing that hard work and education can change lives. Upon graduating from Princeton University, he found success working in New York's financial world – but a report on the growth of the internet led him to make a radical decision: leave his established career to start a startup.

That decision set Bezos on a long and risky path. Amazon's early days were not a glamorous story. He worked tirelessly, packing books himself, and even used an old door as a desk to save money. But the big vision was simple: to make Amazon the "everything store." Within a few years, Amazon grew from a bookstore into a global technology company that changed the way people shop. Bezos is known as a perfectionist leader who always demands innovation and is never afraid to take big risks – including investing in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and future logistics.

Outside the boardroom, Bezos has another side that is rarely seen. He founded Blue Origin, a spaceflight company born from his childhood dream of taking humans to explore outer space. For him, technology is not just about business, but also a legacy for the future of humanity. Despite a journey marked by criticism, controversy, and pressure as the world's richest person for several years, Bezos remains known as a disciplined, ambitious figure who never stops dreaming.

Now, Jeff Bezos is no longer just the founder of Amazon. He is a symbol of the courage to step outside your comfort zone and bet on an uncertain future. From a child who loved taking apart machines to a global entrepreneur, his life story reminds us that innovation often begins with curiosity — and the courage to start.

Borobudur Temple: A Silent Message from Speaking Stones

In Magelang, Central Java, morning fog often descends slowly, enveloping Borobudur Temple. From a distance, the arrangement of giant stupas looked like a mysterious mountain of stone. However, for pilgrims and tourists, Borobudur is not just an ancient building – it is an open library that carves out stories of spirituality and civilization.

Built in the 8th century, Borobudur was designed as a giant mandala depicting the human journey toward enlightenment. Each relief tells a story about life, karma, and reflections on the meaning of existence. In the past, pilgrims walked around the temple from the base to the summit, contemplating life while reading the symbols carved into the stone walls.

However, the journey of Borobudur was not always smooth. It was once buried in volcanic ash, abandoned, and even forgotten for hundreds of years. It was only in the 19th century that the temple was rediscovered and began to be restored little by little. The lengthy restoration process involved archeologists from various countries, ensuring this world heritage remains standing strong.

Now, thousands of tourists come every year. Some come to study history, others seek tranquility, and some simply enjoy the sunrise. But amidst the hustle and bustle of cameras, Borobudur remains serene. The stones seemed to whisper softly: that civilization always leaves a trace — and it's up to us whether we want to read it or not.

National Monument: Eternal Flame in the Heart of Jakarta

The 132-meter-tall tower stands proudly in Merdeka Square, Jakarta. The National Monument — or Monas — is not just an icon of the capital. It is a symbol of the nation's determination to be independent, and also a reminder that the struggle never comes easily.

The idea for its construction emerged during the era of President Soekarno, who wanted to create a national monument of pride. Monas was designed with deep philosophy, from the monument and courtyard to the golden-plated torch at the top, which symbolizes the eternal spirit of the Indonesian people. Construction began in 1961 and took years before it was finally inaugurated.

Every day, thousands of people come to Monas. Some simply stroll thru the park, others climb to the top to see Jakarta from above, and still others enter the museum at the base of the monument to learn more about the nation's history. There, the diorama of the struggle for independence seemed to transport visitors back in time.

Monas is not just a physical building. It is a marker of identity. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps, Monas stands as a reminder that Indonesia was born from the dreams, beliefs, and courage of its people.

The History of Indonesian Railroads: From Steam to the Future of Rails

In the mid-19th century, the sound of the first train whistle was heard in Java. White smoke billowed from the steam locomotives, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Indonesian transportation history. At that time, trains were not just a means of transportation – they became a symbol of progress, as well as a tool connecting cities, villages, and even people.

During the colonial era, railroad lines were built to support the plantation economy. However, over time, trains became a part of daily life. Markets, settlements, and even small stations sprang up along the tracks. Trains connect longing, reunite families, and also transport workers to the city.

Entering the era of independence, the face of the railroad changed. PT Kereta Api Indonesia was established, slowly updating its fleet and systems. Steam locomotives were replaced by diesel, and now electric trains and high-speed trains are starting to appear. Modernization goes hand in hand with nostalgia, as old stations are still preserved as historical witnesses.

Behind the roar of the engine, the train holds stories about people. About passengers carrying hopes, staff working thru the nite, and old tracks that never tire of supporting the journey. The train is not just a mode of transportation – it is a nation's long journey toward the future.

Nadiem Makarim: From a Simple Idea to Indonesia's Digital Transportation Revolution

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Jakarta in the early 2010s, traffic jams were no longer just a problem—they had become a part of city life. However, behind the traffic jams, a young man named Nadiem Makarim saw an opportunity. While many people were complaining, he asked: what if technology could connect motorcycle taxi drivers with passengers just thru their phones? From that simple question, Gojek was born—a startup that would later change the face of transportation and the digital economy in Indonesia. With an elite education abroad, Nadiem could have chosen a safe career path in a large company. However, his heart was drawn back home, to build something from his own homeland.

Nadiem's journey was certainly not easy. When it first started, Gojek only had a dozen drivers and a very simple system. Many people doubted his idea—motorcycle taxis using an app? However, Nadiem remained steadfast in his vision: providing access, efficiency, and fairness for drivers who had been working without certainty. Slowly, society began to accept this concept. Users are increasing, services are expanding, and Gojek is growing bigger and bigger. Not only delivering passengers, but also food, goods, and even providing digital payments. Behind the scenes, Nadiem is known as a calm yet visionary figure, a leader who always asks, "What can we do better?" "

One of the biggest impacts of Gojek is the creation of new job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of driver partners and UMKM owners. Many who previously lost their jobs are now able to support their families thru that green app. Small warungs transformed into online merchants, housewives started home-based culinary businesses, and motorcycle taxi drivers had more stable incomes. These stories are what make Gojek more than just a tech startup; they make it a social movement that lifts the economies of lower-income communities. On various occasions, Nadiem has always emphasized that technology should serve humanity—not just numbers.

That success then led Nadiem to a new chapter in his life. In 2019, he was appointed as the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. Many were surprised, but Nadiem saw it as an opportunity to bring the spirit of innovation to the world of education. The Merdeka Belajar program was born as an effort to liberate students, teachers, and campuses from a rigid system. He wants Indonesian children not only to be good at memorizing, but also to be brave enough to ask questions, try things, and fail. Because for him, the future belongs to those who are brave enough to step outside their comfort zones.

Today, Nadiem Makarim is known not only as the founder of Gojek, but also as a symbol of Indonesia's young generation who dare to dream big. His journey teaches us that success doesn't come from luck alone, but from the courage to recognize opportunities, caring for others, and the determination to keep learning. From the roadside motorcycle taxi bench to the halls of national policy, Nadiem's journey shows that significant change always begins with a single small idea—fought for relentlessly.

Education in Indonesia and the Challenges of the Digital Era

In the digital age we are in now, the world of Indonesian education is at a crossroads. On one hand, the use of technology presents incredible opportunities: access to learning materials is becoming wider, learning can be done remotely, and students can develop unlimited creativity. However, on the other hand, the access gap still exists. Not all students have internet access, devices, or an environment that supports digital learning. This raises an important question: does technology truly liberate education, or does it create new disparities?

The government has actually been promoting educational transformation thru various policies. Teachers are starting to integrate technology into the learning process, while educational platforms are emerging. However, the readiness of human resources is key. Many teachers still need intensive training so they don't just transfer old methods to digital platforms, but truly utilize technology for creative and collaborative learning.

At this point, we need to promote a more inclusive education ecosystem. Affordable internet access, teacher training, and support for students from low-income families must be priorities. Education should not be limited to those who can afford devices.

Ultimately, digital education is not just about tools, but a way of thinking. If implemented seriously and evenly, technology can be a bridge to a better future. However, without equitable access, it has the potential to widen existing social gaps.

Social Media and the Public Trust Crisis Amidst Information Overload

In the last decade, social media has become a primary source of information for the public. News, opinions, and even gossip spread in seconds. This democratization of information seems like a major victory for freedom of expression. However, as time went on, a serious problem emerged: the speed of information was often not proportional to its accuracy. Hoaxes, news manipulation, and biased framing are rampant across various platforms.

This situation triggered a crisis of public trust. Many people are no longer able to distinguish between professional journalistic information and mere personal opinion. Worse, social media algorithms prioritize emotionally charged content over factual content. This traps society in an information bubble—only seeing what it wants to see.

Even mainstream media is affected. If they fail to maintain their independence and credibility, the public will increasingly turn away. At this point, not only is the truth at stake, but also the quality of democracy. Public opinion is easily swayed by information that is not necessarily true.

The solution is not as simple as banning or censoring. Digital literacy in society needs to be strengthened. Every individual needs to be equipped with critical thinking skills and the habit of verifying information. Even professional media must return to the basic principles: accuracy, balance, and press ethics.

Otherwise, we will live in an era where truth loses its meaning—and that is far more dangerous than just an information flood.

Opinion: Ethical Challenges in the Age of Artificial Intelligence — Who is Responsible for AI Decisions?

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years is moving much faster than its regulation. AI is now capable of writing, analyzing data, driving, and even assisting in decision-making in fields ranging from medicine and business to government. However, behind that ease and efficiency, an important question arises: when AI makes mistakes, who should be held responsible? Is it the designer, the owner, the government, or the machine itself?

Artificial intelligence works based on data and algorithms designed by humans. This means that biases present in society can also be incorporated into AI systems. There have been many cases of AI producing discriminatory decisions, such as racial bias in facial recognition or gender bias in job recruitment. Things like this show that AI is not a neutral system. It is shaped by human values—both conscious and unconscious. Without strong ethical oversight, AI could exacerbate social injustices.

The main problem right now is that the speed of innovation far exceeds the legal system's ability to regulate it. Many countries are still grappling with how to formulate fair policies: should AI be audited periodically? Is the company required to open its algorithm? And to what extent are personal data rights protected? These things are crucial because AI now touches sensitive aspects such as health, finance, education, and even public safety. System errors are no longer just technical bugs; they can have a real impact on human lives.

In my opinion, AI ethics should start from three pillars: transparency, accountability, and public education. Transparency means the system should not be a completely incomprehensible "black box." Accountability means it must be clear who is responsible if losses occur. While public education is important to prevent society from becoming victims of technological manipulation. With a balance of these three things, AI can become a tool for humanity—not a threat.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence is just a tool. What matters are the human values behind it. If humans build AI solely with a focus on profit, then this technology has the potential to be harmful. However, if developed with empathy, justice, and responsibility, AI could become civilization's best friend. The future of AI is not just about the sophistication of machines, but also about the moral maturity of the humans who control them.