PART I : Fatal Stampede Over Relief Rice in Central Tapanuli Highlights Urgent Need for Food Reserves || Stay In News
Central Tapanuli Regent Masinton Pasaribu confirmed the fatality following the incident that occurred on Saturday (29/11).
“One woman died, and her child is currently receiving medical treatment,” he stated on Tuesday (02/12).
He has yet to disclose the victim’s identity or provide full details of the incident.
According to eyewitness accounts, what authorities later described as looting began when a crowd lined up for a “cheap rice redemption” program became uncontrollable due to overcrowding.
The chaos unfolded days after Central Tapanuli Regency and the city of Sibolga were completely cut off by landslides and severe flooding since Tuesday (25/11).
Aside from the confrontation at the Bulog warehouse, some residents forcibly seized essential goods from supermarkets.
Sixteen individuals were arrested, though police said they will pursue restorative justice as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
Food security specialists noted that bureaucratic hurdles in emergency food distribution worsened the crisis. They believe the deadly rush at the Bulog warehouse could have been avoided with stronger food-reserve preparedness.
Electricity, internet networks, clean water, and access to basic supplies were completely severed in the region. While partial power and communication signals have begun to return, long queues for rice and fuel remain widespread.
What Happened Inside the Bulog Warehouse?
Reports on the number of casualties remain inconsistent. However, Regent Masinton confirmed that one resident died, and one child is being treated after the incident.
Leonvi, a witness who passed by the warehouse on Padang Sidempuan Road, said the large crowd waiting for discounted rice caused the situation to spiral out of control.
“I was stuck for nearly two hours. I eventually decided to walk,” he said.
He saw people exiting the warehouse carrying 50-kg rice sacks, some even hauling more than one. Several residents claimed victims had been crushed by falling sacks and trampling, though these reports have not been independently verified.
The warehouse chaos triggered similar looting incidents at several minimarkets, with videos circulating widely on social media.
Police detained 16 people accused of taking goods without payment—including packaged foods, drinks, sugar, and toiletries—but said the cases may be resolved through restorative justice.
“Our Money Is Useless”
Lina Situmorang, a Sibolga resident, said her family survived for days on limited food supplies after access to her home was blocked by landslide debris.
She explained that shops, markets, and local stalls remain closed because owners fear looting.
“Eggs cost Rp5,000 each, and even then, none are available,” she said.
“Our money has no value now. We desperately need assistance.”
Current Conditions in Sibolga and Surrounding Areas
Bella Victoria of Radio Tapanuli reported that long queues are still forming at banks, fuel stations, and Bulog rice distribution points.
Some parts of the region have had electricity restored, and aid has started arriving by helicopter, though distribution remains uneven.
Rural areas such as Hutanabolon, Sitahuis, and Sipangi still urgently require basic food supplies.
Bella added that limited availability of essential goods has pushed some residents to resort to looting, as many no longer have financial means after losing their possessions to the disaster.
“We hope the situation does not escalate into more criminal activity,” she said.
CONTINUE TO PART II...