BNPB: 2,418 temporary housing units remaining for disaster survivors in Aceh Tamiang
Jakarta — The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is currently focusing efforts on accelerating completion of 2,418 temporary housing units (huntara) from a total need of 4,189 units for disaster survivors of flash flooding and landslides in Aceh Tamiang district, Aceh province.
Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s Centre for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, stated in Jakarta on Monday evening (9 March) that acceleration of huntara construction is being undertaken through intensive collaboration between the government and various humanitarian organisations.
BNPB, together with the Ministry of Public Works, the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and humanitarian partners such as Dompet Dhuafa, Rumah Zakat, MER-C, Relief Box, Dedikasi Foundation, and Global Peace Chain Indonesia, continue to accelerate the housing construction process.
“Construction of the temporary housing units has entered the final completion stage and is projected to be fully finished in the second week of March 2026,” he said.
With this acceleration, he stated that BNPB is optimistic that all disaster survivors will be able to occupy more appropriate temporary housing ahead of this year’s Eid celebration.
Additionally, BNPB reported that TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) personnel are gradually dismantling emergency tents that were previously used as evacuation centres as residents begin moving into the temporary housing buildings.
This step is being taken to reorganise the evacuation area following residents’ relocation to more permanent structures.
According to Abdul, dismantling activities began on Sunday (8 March) at several locations, including areas around the Regional People’s Consultative Assembly office, Kampung Karang Bundar, and Durian and Benua villages.
In Karang Baru subdistrict, of 142 temporary housing units completed, 129 units have already begun to be occupied by residents.
Beyond housing provision, the government is also ensuring the meeting of basic needs for disaster survivors during the transition period.
Each huntara unit is equipped with basic furnishings such as mattresses, stoves with gas cylinders, bedding, and electric fans.
Additionally, food assistance packages for approximately 24 days ahead are being distributed to guarantee residents’ food security during post-disaster recovery and the Eid celebration period.