Bappenas Proposes Establishment of BRR for Handling Sumatra Disasters

The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has proposed the establishment of a Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (BRR) for handling hydrometeorological disasters that occurred in three provinces in Sumatra. “We are proposing this as one alternative,” said Deputy for Regional Development at Bappenas RI, Medrilzam, in Padang on Wednesday. Medrilzam stated that the BRR is hoped to be approved by the President so that by 2027 and 2028, the handling of hydrometeorological disasters in Sumatra can be more optimal and under one roof. “So, the proposal for establishing the BRR is to make implementation in the field easier, under one roof,” he said. The best practice of the BRR has previously been implemented by the government in handling the impact of the tsunami that struck Aceh Province in 2004. Therefore, Bappenas is again proposing that something similar be done to address the impacts in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. This proposal also aims to reduce the burden on the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction post-Sumatra disaster. In the plan, the BRR will be trialled directly in 2026. Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi said that the total damage and losses due to hydrometeorological disasters that occurred at the end of 2025 reached Rp33.55 trillion, with urgent recovery needs of Rp21.44 trillion. He said that the handling and recovery of disasters in the Minang Land is crucial because the areas that became the epicentre of the disaster are the main contributors to West Sumatra’s economy. Padang City, Agam Regency, and Padang Pariaman Regency, which have been affected by disasters, contribute more than 40 percent to the regional gross domestic product (PDRB). “This recovery is not just physical rehabilitation, but a strategic step in maintaining the macroeconomic stability of the entire province,” he stated.