Aceh Transition Period Ends, Tito Stresses Tailored Post-Disaster Handling

Home Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as Chair of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, has reminded district and city governments in Aceh to align the determination of post-disaster handling stages with the conditions in their respective areas. The statement was made virtually from Sumedang Regency during the meeting to conclude the emergency transition period for disaster management in Aceh on Tuesday (28/7). Tito expressed his appreciation to the Aceh Provincial Government and related parties for initiating the meeting, stating that the forum was important to ensure the post-disaster handling process proceeds according to the stages and needs of the community on the ground. He explained that post-disaster handling consists of three main stages: the emergency response period, the transition period, and rehabilitation and reconstruction. The emergency response phase focuses on saving lives, evacuation, and handling emergency conditions. The transition phase is directed at restoring the function of affected infrastructure and basic services. ‘Roads are made functional again, bridges are made functional, even if not yet permanent,’ he said. The rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, he continued, is a more permanent development stage. Tito said that repairs in this phase are not only aimed at restoring the previous condition but are also directed to be better, such as being more resistant to disaster risks. Because it is permanent and uses a specific budget, the administrative and procurement processes in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase must follow normal provisions, as in general development implementation. This differs from the emergency response and transition periods, which emphasise speed. Tito stated that Aceh Province can declare the end of the post-disaster transition period. However, he cautioned that conditions in each district and city are not the same, so the determination of handling status needs to be adjusted to the conditions of each area. ‘But for districts/cities that feel they still need transition conditions or perhaps still need emergency response conditions, do not force them to be designated as the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase,’ Tito said. According to him, the characteristics of disasters in several areas of Aceh are different from one-off events. In some areas, the threat of floods and landslides can still occur repeatedly. Therefore, Tito assessed that areas still facing high risks need to be given room to maintain the transition period, or even return to emergency response status if necessary. This approach is considered important so that handling can be carried out more quickly and in accordance with the needs of the affected community.