BNPB Emphasises Post-Disaster Recovery Remains Priority

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) – The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto of the Indonesian Military, has reaffirmed that post-disaster recovery efforts remain a government priority, particularly regarding the completion of temporary housing units (Huntara).

“Our priority remains ensuring that survivors still living in tents can celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Huntara units,” said Lieutenant General Suharyanto in a statement received in Banda Aceh on Saturday.

The statement was made by Suharyanto whilst visiting a temporary housing complex for flood victims in Gampong Ulee Rubek Timu, Seunuddon District, North Aceh Regency.

He noted that the Gampong Ulee Rubek Huntara has become one of the completed housing sites in Seunuddon District, and is already occupied by the community.

“In North Aceh itself, 5,000 Huntara units were proposed and more than 4,000 have already been constructed, with work continuing,” he stated.

He added that as the disaster recovery effort enters its third month following the Sumatra floods and landslides, the government remains focused on implementing recovery measures. North Aceh is currently among the regencies that have transitioned to the emergency recovery phase.

“We continue to work hard and pursue our targets, as the construction of Huntara units is not solely the responsibility of BNPB. It also involves Danantara, the Ministry of Public Works, Rumah Zakat, Dompet Dhuafa and other organisations,” Suharyanto emphasised.

For his part, one flood survivor in North Aceh, Basri, expressed gratitude to the central government through BNPB for constructing Huntara as a residence for himself and his family, whilst hoping that permanent housing would be built soon.

“My house was destroyed by the flood. Since moving into Huntara, those of us who work as fishermen have decided to return to sea to seek economic livelihood for our families,” Basri said.