Bakom: Economic Recovery Occurring in Sumatra Disaster-Affected Areas

Economic recovery among affected communities shows positive and measurable signs. Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Government Communication Agency (Bakom) states that economic recovery in three Sumatra provinces previously impacted by floods is beginning to show, including in the activities of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Economic recovery among affected communities shows positive and measurable signs,” said Head of Bakom RI Muhammad Qodari during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. He explained that one indicator of economic recovery can be seen from the number of traditional markets that have resumed operations, now reaching 196 locations out of 210 markets. In detail, this is divided into 114 markets in Aceh, 56 in North Sumatra, and 26 in West Sumatra. “This reflects the beginning of recovery in digital economic activities,” Qodari clarified. Not only that, the government has also identified 193,703 KUR debtors affected, with outstanding or remaining loans reaching Rp11.23 trillion as of 10 March 2026. MSME actors receiving KUR who were impacted by the disaster that occurred at the end of 2025 receive special treatment divided into three periods until their businesses recover. On that occasion, Qodari also highlighted that family economic certainty in affected areas continues to be maintained by the government using three financial aid instruments totalling more than Rp1.42 trillion. In addition, basic services have almost fully recovered, especially important facilities such as hospitals, community health centres, schools, electricity, and communications.