Residents who are victims of the Pahae Jae flash flood have displayed banners in the former residential and agricultural areas damaged after the flash flood that hit the Pahae area, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra in late December 2024.

The banner display was carried out as a strong protest against the North Tapanuli Regency Government’s plan to renovate the regent/vice regent’s official residence at a cost of over Rp 2.4 billion funded by the 2025 regional budget.

Through messages written on several banners, residents demanded that the renovation of the regent/vice regent’s official residence be canceled, and the funds be redirected to repair damaged agricultural areas.

Several banners displayed today contained messages, including:

“We, the community victims of the Pahae flash flood, strongly reject the plan to renovate the Regent/Vice Regent’s official residence, redirect it for agricultural land repair”

“We have suffered for almost a year because the Regent doesn’t care. It’s not your money we’re asking for, but our money that is with you”

“Mr. Regent, listen to our screams and cries, cancel the renovation of your official residence, fix our lives”

“North Tapanuli DPRD members from Electoral District V, where is your conscience? Please listen to our screams as victims of the Pahae flash flood”

A community figure from Pahae, who is also a victim, stated that residents displayed banners because the North Tapanuli Regent was previously scheduled to directly visit the flash flood victims for dialogue, but canceled.

“The Regent’s planned visit today was canceled. The information we received is that he has more important activities. We are disappointed, so we conveyed our aspirations through banner displays. Actually, our request is simple and reasonable. To our knowledge, the official residence is still habitable. We only ask that such a large amount of funds be redirected to repair our agricultural land that was damaged by last year’s flash flood,” he explained.

Separately contacted via mobile phone, the Head of Communication and Information Office stated that the North Tapanuli Regent was in Pangaribuan District to offer condolences.

When asked about the planned visit to Pahae to meet with flash flood victims, the official said he was not updated about the regent’s work schedule.

“What I know is that the Regent went to Pangaribuan to offer condolences. Regarding the planned visit to Pahae, that could happen, or maybe he will send a representative, but I’m not updated about the regent’s work agenda,” he said.

As previously reported, the official residences of the North Tapanuli Regent and Vice Regent will soon be renovated.

A total of over Rp 2.4 billion from the 2025 North Tapanuli regional budget will be allocated to renovate both official residences following the determination and announcement of the tender winner by the Working Group at the Procurement of Goods and Services Section.

The North Tapanuli Regency Government’s policy of allocating quite large regional budget funds, over Rp 2.4 billion, to renovate the still habitable official residences of the regent and vice regent has received sharp criticism from residents.

Sharp criticism comes from residents affected by the flash flood disaster that hit the Pahae Jae District area in late 2024, which to date remains unaddressed.

According to affected flash flood victims, the renovation of the North Tapanuli Regent and Vice Regent’s official residences shows no sense of justice and humanity and only prioritizes the regent’s personal interests.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, to this day, hundreds of hectares of rice fields in Pahae Jae District were completely damaged after the flash flood in late December 2024, and there have been no serious handling efforts from the North Tapanuli Regency Government. Including several residents’ houses that were also damaged and can no longer be occupied, creating new groups of

Pahae

I am unable to find specific historical or cultural information on a place called “Pahae.” It is possible that the name may be misspelled, refer to a very localized site, or be from a specific cultural context not widely documented in common sources. To provide an accurate summary, could you please verify the spelling or provide any additional context about its location?

North Tapanuli

North Tapanuli is a regency located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Lake Toba—the largest volcanic lake in the world. Historically, it is part of the Batak cultural heartland, home to the Batak Toba people who have a rich tradition of unique architecture, such as the traditional boat-shaped houses, and a distinct cultural heritage.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is a province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the vast Lake Toba—the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed by a supervolcanic eruption around 74,000 years ago. The region is also a significant cultural center, being the home of the Batak people, whose distinct traditions, vibrant ceremonies, and unique traditional houses are a major part of its heritage.

Pahae Jae

Pahae Jae is a historic mountain pass in North Sumatra, Indonesia, traditionally known as the “Route of Tears.” It was a challenging path used by the Batak people for migration and trade, but it is most famously associated with the forced exile of men from the Toba Batak region to the coastal areas in the 19th century. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark symbolizing the hardship and resilience of the Batak people.

North Tapanuli Regency Government

The North Tapanuli Regency is a local government administrative region located in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Historically, it is part of the Tapanuli region, a significant cultural and political center for the Batak people. The regency government manages local affairs and development in an area known for its natural beauty, including Lake Toba.

Regent/Vice Regent’s official residence

The Regent or Vice Regent’s official residence is the home and workplace of a governor’s deputy in a colony or province, representing the sovereign’s authority. Historically, such residences were centers of colonial administration and often grand architectural symbols of power. Today, they frequently continue to serve as ceremonial and administrative hubs or have been repurposed as museums or public buildings.

North Tapanuli DPRD

The North Tapanuli DPRD is the local legislative council for the North Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a modern governmental body responsible for creating local regulations, budgeting, and overseeing the regional executive branch. Its establishment is part of Indonesia’s decentralization and democratization process following the fall of the New Order regime.

Pangaribuan District

Pangaribuan District is a region located in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is part of the Batak lands and is known for its cultural significance to the Batak people, featuring traditional villages and customs. The area’s history is deeply connected to the larger Batak ethnic group, which has inhabited the highlands of North Sumatra for centuries.