DANONE INDONESIA MONITORS SITUATION AND DELIVERS INITIAL AID TO FLOOD AND LANDSLIDE SURVIVORS IN TAPANULI TENGAH REGENCY, NORTH SUMATRA
Tapanuli Tengah (14/12/2025) — A Danone Indonesia team, together with the Regent of Central Tapanuli, Masinton Pasaribu, visited several areas affected by recent floods and landslides to monitor on-the-ground conditions and identify urgent needs among impacted communities. The assessment covered multiple locations, including Tukka Village, one of the areas experiencing severe disruptions to access and essential services.
In the field, the team observed that many families continue to rely on phased emergency supplies to meet immediate needs for clean water and sanitation. Several residents reported living in temporary shelters while awaiting relocation to government-provided housing, as their homes and villages have been extensively damaged. Children at several evacuation points were also observed to require medical attention due to unstable environmental conditions, and many expressed hopes of returning to school soon.
Communication and transportation access in the Sibolga–Central Tapanuli area has gradually improved, although several road sections remain damaged. Some routes that were previously collapsed or blocked by landslide debris—particularly in Tukka, Badiri, and Pandan subdistricts—have begun to reopen for limited use following initial clearing efforts. Local authorities said the area had been isolated during the first days of the disaster, requiring adjustments to relief distribution as access routes slowly became passable again.
As part of its monitoring and initial support, Danone Indonesia delivered three trucks carrying thousands of cartons of AQUA 1500 ml mineral water. The aid was received by the Regent at the district office before being distributed to government-coordinated evacuation points. This contribution is part of the company’s wider support to areas in Sumatra affected by floods and landslides. Following the recent visit to Tanjung Pura with MDMC, Danone Indonesia is now focusing on Tapanuli Tengah and remains committed to supporting and engaging locally during these challenging times. Danone Indonesia has maintained a strong presence in Sumatra for many years, with two factories, 22 depots, and numerous touchpoints with customers and communities.
Beyond distributing aid, the Danone Indonesia team engaged directly with affected communities to understand their needs more accurately. Several mothers described how they manage limited clean water supplies while waiting for the next delivery. Other residents showed the team the extent of landslide and flash flood damage to their homes. These observations form an early picture of both short- and medium-term needs across impacted households.
Danone Indonesia CEO Laurent Boissier said the company’s presence in affected areas is aimed at ensuring support aligns with conditions on the ground.
“It is devastating to witness firsthand how the landslides and floods have disrupted people’s lives here. Standing on the ground and speaking with the affected families, I could feel the weight of their loss—yet at the same time, I saw an incredible resilience. Their strength, their spirit, and even their ability to smile through hardship truly moved me.
This inspires us to act with even greater urgency—to help restore essential services, especially access to clean water, and to support stronger disaster preparedness in close collaboration with local governments and authorities. As we move forward, we will carefully review the support we have provided and adjust our next steps to ensure we deliver the greatest possible impact for communities in Tapanuli Tengah and other areas facing similar challenges. We also plan to be present and provide support to affected areas in Aceh.”
Regent Masinton Pasaribu expressed appreciation for the company’s involvement during the emergency response period. “We appreciate Danone Indonesia’s presence and direct assistance. This support plays an important role in accelerating the fulfillment of basic needs for our communities during the early stages of recovery,” added Boissier.
In addition to aid provided in Tapanuli Tengah, Danone Indonesia continues to monitor conditions in other affected regions across Sumatra and has distributed packaged drinking water, child nutrition products, and financial assistance to help early recovery efforts. Danone Indonesia will also focus on partnering with authorities to recover impacted healthcare service facilities that are critically needed by communities. Support will continue in stages and be adjusted according to developments on the ground.
“Direct dialogue with residents remains an essential part of the assessment process, enabling the company to design support that truly meets community needs,” concluded Boissier.
