BNPB targets construction of 695 independent permanent homes in West Sumatra

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is targeting the construction of 695 independent permanent homes (huntap) for residents affected by floods and landslides, which were exacerbated by Cyclone Senyar, in West Sumatra Province. Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Wednesday that the independent huntap option is being promoted to ensure the post-disaster recovery process can proceed much faster compared to the communal scheme. Abdul explained that the independent huntap scheme provides flexibility for affected residents to submit proposals to rebuild their heavily damaged homes on their own land (in situ). Conversely, under the communal huntap option, the local government bears the full responsibility of providing a new plot of relocation land before physical construction can commence by the BNPB. Based on recapitulation data as of Monday (13/7), the target of 695 units in the Minangkabau region is spread across Padang Pariaman with 457 units, Tanah Datar 101 units, Lima Puluh Kota 49 units, Agam 29 units, and West Pasaman 28 units. Furthermore, the independent huntap allocation also targets the South Pesisir region with 15 units, Pariaman City 8 units, Pasaman 4 units, and Padang Panjang City 4 units, in addition to a new proposal from the Padang City Government for 22 units. All independent huntap units will be built using a type 36 house standard, equipped with two bedrooms, a main living room, a bathroom, and a kitchen. In its implementation in West Sumatra, BNPB is collaborating with PT Semen Padang to apply Sepabrick technology innovation, an interlocking brick material that is earthquake-resistant, environmentally friendly, and quick to build. Abdul emphasised that this cross-sector synergy is the government’s commitment to implementing the principle of rebuilding more safely and better in a directed and sustainable manner.