Jakarta, Oct. 6 -- Indonesia watched thousands of lives grind to an abrupt halt in late November 2025 as devastating floods and landslides swept across the Sumatran provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

The disasters damaged countless homes, disrupted transportation networks, and left schools among the hardest-hit facilities. Floodwaters receded, but heartbreaking scenes remained: classrooms strewn with debris, desks and chairs submerged in muddy water, books ruined beyond use, and learning materials rendered worthless.

A total of 4,922 schools across the three provinces were affected by floodwaters and mud. Some buildings were swept away entirely, while others suffered collapsed roofs or were blanketed by thick layers of ...