Jakarta, Dec. 3 -- President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a nationwide response to deadly flash floods and landslides across three Sumatra provinces, declaring the crisis a top national priority, officials said Wednesday.

Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Pratikno told a press briefing at the Sumatra Disaster Aid Post in Jakarta that President Prabowo instructed the government to treat the catastrophe in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra as a priority requiring full national resources, including the immediate release of emergency funds and logistics.

Pratikno said all ministries and state agencies had been directed to act with heightened urgency in addressing the impact of the floods and landslides.

"The President ...