Bleak: Koripan Sleman Refugee Barracks Hit by Vandalism, Ceilings Collapse
The barracks, or final evacuation site, for refugees in Koripan Hamlet, Sindumartani Village, Ngemplak District, Sleman, is in a concerning condition. The evacuation building for Mount Merapi eruptions, located on the edge of Jalan Tritis on the Sleman-Klaten border, has become a target of vandalism. Its terrace ceiling has also collapsed.
Observations at the location show damage visible on the signboard on the front wall of the building. Some letters on the signboard have come off, making it unreadable as a refugee barracks.
The frontmost building, separate from the barracks, has also been targeted with spray-paint graffiti. Much of the terrace ceiling has also collapsed and fallen down.
There was no activity at the site and the main building door was tightly shut. Nevertheless, the barracks yard and its surroundings were relatively clear of wild grass.
The barracks, situated among rice fields and dry farmland, appeared deserted. The nearest settlement is behind the building, about 150 metres away.
Head of the Sleman Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Bambang Kuntoro, said the Koripan barracks is indeed prone to problems.
“Why? First, because it is far from settlements. It has been fenced but was damaged, and it becomes a place for people to hang out at night, even though we also have a guard from the local area,” Bambang said when contacted for confirmation on Wednesday (12/8/2026).
Bambang said the barracks is not guarded 24 hours a day. He also mentioned budget constraints.
“In a year we maintain 12 barracks. Previously there was still funding in another sector but now it has been refocused. As for weed killer, we still provide weed killer,” Bambang said.
Regarding the roof damage, Bambang acknowledged that of the 12 existing barracks, damage has occurred almost evenly.
“Yes, almost all of our barracks roofs, all 12 barracks, almost all have collapsed. Even though maintenance for all of them requires hundreds of millions of rupiah,” Bambang continued.
Bambang explained that the barracks may actually be used by the public for various purposes free of charge so that they are maintained. However, the Koripan barracks is the least in demand.
“For public use, please go ahead. We do not charge, there is no levy. It may be used except during emergencies for evacuation. The least popular barracks is the Koripan barracks; the others are used by the public,” he said.
Bambang added that next year a budget will be proposed for the maintenance of all barracks. He urged the public to help look after public facilities.
“Do not damage public facilities because they belong to all of us. If the public wants to use them, please contact us. For weddings, sports, village events, please use them and maintain them together. If anyone damages them, it can be reported to the relevant authorities,” he concluded.