BNPB Chief: Construction of Temporary and Permanent Shelters Being Accelerated

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, has emphasised the government’s commitment to accelerating the construction of temporary housing (huntara) and permanent housing (huntap) as part of the post-disaster recovery process in Sumatra.

“The government is committed to speeding up the provision of temporary and permanent housing, as well as various other supporting programmes for affected communities,” Suharyanto stated during a visit to Aceh Tamiang on Monday.

Suharyanto made these remarks while conducting a working visit to directly inspect the progress of post-disaster recovery in Aceh, alongside the handover of the third stage, first instalment, of stimulus funds for lightly and moderately damaged houses in Aceh Tamiang.

Entering the seventh month following the Sumatra disasters, the agency has completed the provision of temporary housing in various locations and is now focusing on the construction of permanent housing. The target for temporary housing construction exceeds 20,00,00 units.

Another BNPB task involves the construction of independent/in-situ permanent housing, which is built on the residents’ original sites or owned land. Currently, BNPB has begun constructing approximately 900 houses out of a total target of 39,000 permanent housing units, encompassing both independent and communal types.

Suharyanto confirmed that all provinces in Sumatra affected by the disaster are no longer under emergency response status, although several regencies and cities are still transitioning from emergency status to recovery.

This commitment is reflected in the approval by the central government and the House of Representatives (DPR RI) to allocate Rp100.1 trillion for Sumatra’s post-disaster recovery over a three-year period (2026-2028).

Suharyanto noted that this Rp100.1 trillion budget is separate from the disaster budget managed by BNPB through the Available Rapid Fund (DSP) scheme. Since the beginning of the emergency response period, BNPB has been equipped with approximately Rp4 trillion in DSP to cover all disaster management needs across the country.

For disaster management in Sumatra, the DSP is allocated for various tasks under BNPB’s responsibility, including the provision of logistics, construction of temporary housing, independent permanent housing, housing waiting funds, and stimulus funds for lightly/moderately damaged houses, among others.

“We ensure that these funds are used precisely, transparently, and accountably, through technical assistance to local governments, supervision of aid distribution, and coordination across ministries and agencies,” said Suharyanto.