BNPB Ensures Gayo Lues Flood Victims Move into Temporary Housing Before Eid

Jakarta — Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has ensured that all residents in Gayo Lues district have relocated to temporary housing ahead of Eid 1447 H/2026 M.

BNPB Head Lieutenant General Sunaryanto stated that communities can now celebrate Eid in more adequate housing, no longer remaining in emergency tents following the flash flooding and landslides disaster.

“We are committed to ensuring that by Eid 2026, there will be no more residents in tents in Gayo Lues district,” said Sunaryanto, as quoted by the Government Communications Office press release on Thursday (12 March 2026).

This achievement corresponds to approximately 88 percent of the target to construct 1,713 temporary housing units (huntara) in the region.

Sunaryanto stated that BNPB will continue to support families still awaiting temporary housing completion. During this period, residents will be placed in more suitable locations, such as a government-owned vocational training centre.

“So that all affected communities in Gayo Lues district can enjoy and participate in Eid celebrations in a better and more respectful manner,” he added.

This assistance is provided to help meet residents’ basic needs before they receive livelihood assistance from the central government.

“Families occupying temporary housing will receive support from BNPB including supplies and food for ten days from the time they move into the temporary units,” Sunaryanto explained.

Since the flash flooding and landslides struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November, the government has accelerated recovery and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas. One key initiative has been the construction of temporary housing using a communal residential concept, enabling residents to transition from emergency tents to more adequate living spaces.

One temporary housing site in Gayo Lues is located in Agusen village, Blangkejeren district. The communal residential complex, currently housing approximately 150 households, has been completed and neatly organised, with residents resuming daily activities.

Additional temporary housing construction is underway in Rigeb village, Dabun Gelang district. Here, 133 households now occupy a communal residential complex equipped with basic facilities including water and electrical supply. Each housing unit includes a bathroom and toilet.