Severe flooding and landslides in Sumatra last week caused extensive damage and casualties, but destinations remain open for tourism.
The disaster, caused by Cyclone Senyar between November 19 and 28, destroyed villages, homes, infrastructure and farmland in parts of Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra. According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, at least 659 people have died, 464 are missing and more than 570,000 have been displaced across the three provinces at press time.
Tourism stakeholders contacted by TTG Asia reported that operations in West Sumatra are gradually resuming after flooding and landslides temporarily cut off roads and stranded visitors in key cities including Padang and Bukittinggi, while North Sumatra has largely remained unaffected.
In West Sumatra, the floods disrupted destinations and surrounding districts, leaving several tourists temporarily stranded in central Padang hotels. Darmawi, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) West Sumatra, said: “Visitors who were trapped in Padang have safely returned to their onward destinations, and those in Bukittinggi are gradually being transported to Padang.”
According to the West Sumatra Tourism Office, destinations in Payakumbuh and Tanah Datar were largely unaffected and considered safe, while areas including Limapuluh Kota, Solok, Pariaman, Padang Pariaman and Pesisir Selatan experienced partial disruption. Some roads remain impassable for overland tours, though authorities have prioritised clearing bridges and secondary routes to restore access.
The financial impact on tourism remains unclear as operators continue to assess damage to offices, staff homes and disrupted services. Darmawi noted that the floods occurred during the low season. Padang had a major event scheduled, the Minang Geopark Run 2025, and many bookings were cancelled.
“Despite the recent challenges, year-end bookings in West Sumatra remain largely on track. However, ASITA advises visitors and our members to limit travel to within Padang until intercity roads are fully restored,” Darmawi added.
With infrastructure being repaired, the West Sumatra Tourism Office is now preparing for the Christmas and New Year period. Lila Yanwar, head of the office, said the agency is working with district and city governments to assess destinations, identify safe zones and ensure holiday programmes meet safety standards.
“We are coordinating with local authorities to create a secure and comfortable environment for visitors over the upcoming festive season,” she said.
Meanwhile, North Sumatra has reported minimal disruption. Areas such as Lake Toba, Parapat, Samosir and Medan remained fully operational. Surya Salim, chairman of ASITA North Sumatra, said flooding in Tapanuli Tengah and Sibolga occurred five to six hours from Parapat and Lake Toba, and 10 hours from Medan.
“It was largely business as usual. The only significant disruption was on the Kualanamu Airport–Medan toll route, but alternative roads ensured that Lake Toba remained fully accessible,” Surya noted.
Travel operators confirmed the situation. Christine Kowandi, tour manager at Medan-based Horas Tours, said: “A seven-day group trip to Lake Toba went ahead smoothly. We adjusted itineraries to travel directly to Lake Toba and finish in Medan, ensuring minimal disruption. Another group is arriving this week and everything is on track.”
Hotels in North Sumatra have also maintained steady operations. Denny S Wardhana, chairman of the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association North Sumatra chapter, said most Medan hotels in the city centre were not affected and continued operating with high occupancy from residents seeking temporary shelter.
