Aceh Secretary Urges Acceleration of Disaster Relief Ahead of Ramadan
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Aceh Regional Secretary M Nasir has called on Aceh Government Work Units (SKPA) and related agencies to accelerate post-disaster recovery efforts, covering both temporary shelters and logistics, to ensure affected communities can observe Ramadan in comfort.
“The government’s primary focus at present is to relocate displaced residents from emergency tents to more suitable temporary shelters,” said M Nasir in a statement in Banda Aceh on Tuesday.
The matter was emphasised during a coordination meeting to evaluate disaster response progress and preparations for the holy month of Ramadan at the Aceh Governor’s office in Banda Aceh.
M Nasir stressed that the stability of basic necessities and the adequacy of housing are non-negotiable ahead of Ramadan.
Currently, 6,060 temporary shelter units have been constructed, but there remain disaster-affected residents still living in emergency tents.
“No resident should be left without certainty of shelter. I am requesting that the relocation from tents to proper temporary shelters be expedited. Housing is not merely about having a roof overhead — it concerns the dignity and protection of our people,” he said.
In addition to temporary shelters, the government has completed 104 permanent housing units in North Aceh. For residents still awaiting construction of their homes, the government has confirmed that the Daily Waiting Allowance of Rp600,000 per person will continue to be disbursed.
Regarding logistics, M Nasir cautioned against budget overlap between the Aceh provincial budget (APBA), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and the Ministry of Social Affairs. He urged that aid distribution must be based on verified and regularly updated data.
“Avoid wasteful spending. Coordination between the Aceh Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBA), the Social Affairs Office, and district and municipal governments must be intensive. Ensure that not a single affected area is missed in logistics distribution,” he said.
On the health front, he noted that whilst 307 of 309 community health centres have resumed operations, health services need to be strengthened over the next three months, particularly in Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, North Aceh, and Gayo Lues districts. Trauma healing for children and women remains a priority.
He said the Aceh Government is targeting the restoration of all village road access within the coming month. “Therefore, bailey bridges are the priority solution, targeted for completion by July,” he said.
He added that in light of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warning of potential heavy rainfall until 25 February 2026, search and rescue teams are expected to remain on standby around the clock.
“We hope SAR teams remain on 24-hour standby and continue to strengthen mitigation systems based on experience from previous disasters,” said M Nasir.