8 Regional Governments in North Sumatra Aid Aceh's Recovery Through Inter-Regional Grants

Eight regions in North Sumatra Province have committed to assisting disaster-affected areas in Aceh Province through the mechanism of inter-regional grants. This commitment follows the Minister of Home Affairs’ Circular Letter No. 900.1.3/1084/SJ, which encourages unaffected regions to participate in the recovery of impacted areas as a manifestation of national mutual cooperation. The circular was issued by Muhammad Tito Karnavian, Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, due to disaster-affected areas in Aceh not receiving refunds of Regional Transfer Funds (TKD). Meanwhile, several regions in North Sumatra received substantial TKD refunds despite only being lightly impacted by the hydrometeorological disaster that occurred at the end of November 2025. Tito stated that this step arose from real needs on the ground, particularly in several Aceh regions still facing significant challenges in post-disaster recovery. “Then I issued a circular urging, but somewhat forcefully, North Sumatra to help their neighbouring province of Aceh, so finally eight regions have agreed and committed,” said Tito in a written statement on Wednesday (22/4/2026). Tito conveyed this during the North Sumatra Musrenbang for 2027. Based on data from the Directorate General of Regional Financial Development (Ditjen Keuda) of the Ministry of Home Affairs as of 20 April 2026, eight regions in North Sumatra have expressed their commitment to provide assistance to disaster-affected areas in Aceh. Medan City has proposed assistance of Rp 50 billion to Aceh Tamiang Regency. Deli Serdang Regency has also proposed Rp 50 billion for East Aceh Regency. Next, Simalungun Regency proposed Rp 30 billion for North Aceh Regency, and Asahan Regency proposed Rp 30 billion for Bireuen Regency. In addition, Serdang Bedagai Regency proposed Rp 25 billion in assistance to Pidie Jaya Regency. South Labuhanbatu Regency proposed Rp 25 billion for Central Aceh Regency, Pematangsiantar City Rp 25 billion for Bener Meriah Regency, and Labuhanbatu Regency Rp 25 billion for Gayo Lues Regency. Tito emphasised that the value of this assistance has a significant impact on accelerating recovery in affected areas, particularly in supporting the construction of permanent housing (huntap) and the restoration of government functions. “There, Rp 25 billion is not a small amount. It can be used to buy land for huntap, or even to revive government functions that are not yet running optimally,” said Tito. Furthermore, Tito assured that the inter-regional grant mechanism will be closely monitored by the central government through the Directorate General of Regional Financial Development to ensure the distribution process runs according to regulations and on target. Currently, disaster handling in affected areas has entered a transitional phase after completing the emergency response. In general, the condition of basic services and infrastructure has returned to functioning, although not yet fully permanent. “As of today, we consider that most are already normal in terms of function. Roads are not perfect yet, but passable. Bridges are not perfect, but many are already passable, especially national and provincial ones for logistics,” said Tito.