Holding Perkebunan Nusantara Through PalmCo Penetrates Isolated Areas to Distribute Aid in North Sumatra and Aceh

Medan — Waves of floods and landslides that have hit a number of areas in Sumatra since the end of November have left extensive damage. National highways were cut off, electricity was cut off for days, and several villages were isolated, especially in North Sumatra and Aceh. In the midst of these limitations, PTPN IV PalmCo moved quickly to distribute aid to the most difficult to reach locations.

The company, which is under the PTPN III (Persero) subholding, provided logistical assistance in the form of rice, bottled water, instant noodles, chicken eggs, ready-to-eat food, as well as medicines and first aid kits. The total distribution reached hundreds of packages which were distributed to evacuation points and affected villages in South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, Sibolga, Langkat, and Langsa City.

President Director of PTPN IV PalmCo, Jatmiko K. Santosa, emphasized that humanitarian support is the company’s priority, especially for isolated residents. “PalmCo is ready to penetrate all corners of North Sumatra and Aceh. No location is too far as long as the community still needs it,” said Jatmiko in a written statement, Monday (01/12/2025).

Rapid Access and Response Challenges

Since the initial report of the disaster came in, all of PalmCo’s regional units are said to have immediately moved. Obstacles arose when a number of road sections were covered by landslide material or submerged in floods, requiring distribution routes to be repeatedly adjusted.

“At several points, the team had to look for alternative routes because the main access was cut off. In principle, help must arrive,” said Jatmiko. He added that this step reflects the company’s empathy and commitment as part of the community in the areas around their plantations and factories.

PalmCo also deployed personnel from nearby regions, namely Regions 1, 2 and 6 to map residents’ daily needs, especially in areas where logistics access was disrupted. All units, said Jatmiko, were asked to work quickly while ensuring the safety of the team in the field.

Emergency Communications for Citizens

Apart from logistical assistance, PalmCo opened satellite internet-based emergency communication access at the PTPN IV Regional VI Langsa Office. This facility becomes the mainstay of citizens when the telecommunications network is completely paralyzed.

“Communication is a vital need in the early days of a disaster. That’s why we are preparing emergency internet access so that people can provide news to their families,” said Jatmiko.

This facility was crowded with residents of Langsa and surrounding areas. Many come only to send short messages to family outside the area.

Mardiana, a resident of Pondok Factory Village, Langsa, Aceh, said she was relieved after not being able to contact her family for days. “What worried us most wasn’t the water, but not being able to contact anyone. When we were able to call my child in Medan, we felt very relieved,” he said.

Appreciation from Local Government

A positive response came from the local government. The Head of Pulau Pakih Babusalam Village, Langkat Regency, Mawardi said that PTPN IV was the first company to arrive in his village bringing aid.

“PTPN IV was the first party to come to bring aid to our village. The residents were really helped because access conditions were really difficult since the flood submerged the main road. We thank PTPN IV for their concern,” said Mawardi.

Apart from that, support from PTPN IV is also felt by the community in South Tapanuli. The Head of Hapesong Baru Village, Zulkarnain Siregar, expressed his appreciation for the heavy equipment assistance from PTPN IV which was used to open access to roads that were covered in mud and flood material.

“The assistance from PTPN IV really helped us. The village roads were completely closed and residents couldn’t go out to look for basic needs. After the heavy equipment was down, access was open again and aid could come in. We are very grateful for PTPN IV’s quick response,” said Zulkarnain.

PalmCo ensures that it will continue distributing aid until conditions recover. The field team is said to continue to monitor developments in access and needs of residents in North Sumatra and Aceh. “The disaster is not completely over. We will continue to be present, including in the most difficult to reach areas,” said Jatmiko.

In the midst of an emergency situation that is making things difficult for many parties, PalmCo’s quick steps to penetrate the affected areas are one of the supports that help ease the burden on residents in critical times.

This press release has also appeared on VRITIMES.