BNPP Deploys 6 Excavators to Clear Roads Following Aceh Floods
Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency (BNPP) has deployed heavy equipment to accelerate recovery in flood-affected areas of Aceh Province. Clearance efforts are focused on removing mud and sand from main road access in Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, and Aceh Tamiang Regencies.
BNPP Secretary Komjen Pol. Makhruzi Rahman stated that excavators and dump trucks have been deployed to expedite normalisation of vital transport routes essential for community activities.
“We are deploying excavators and dump trucks to assist in accelerating the clearing of public roads still blocked by mud and sand, so that community activities can resume,” he said in a written statement on Thursday, 11 March 2926.
Beyond heavy machinery, clearance is also conducted through a cash-for-work scheme. Under this initiative, local residents are directly involved in recovery activities including clearing rubble and mud, repairing public facilities, and rehabilitating environments damaged by the disaster.
Makhruzi explained that the programme stems from the Interior Minister, who heads BNPP and the Post-Disaster Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) for Sumatra, Tito Karnavian, to ensure effective post-disaster rehabilitation with positive economic impact for communities.
“Through the cash-for-work scheme, not only are road access quickly cleaned, but residents also gain temporary employment opportunities that support their daily recovery,” he said.
He noted that affected residents are not merely aid recipients but also earn income from work they undertake in regional recovery processes.
Mud clearing using heavy equipment has been conducted in Gampong Mancang and Gampong Dayah Usen, Meurah Dua District, Pidie Jaya Regency. In Bireuen Regency, operations are underway in Kubu Village, Peusangan Bineh Krueng District, whilst in Aceh Tamiang Regency work is proceeding in Lando Village, Rantau District.
Each regency receives support from two excavators and two dump trucks. Overall, BNPP has deployed six excavators and six dump trucks to support rapid road clearance across the three regencies.
Makhruzi also stated he visited the field since Saturday, 7 March in Pidie Jaya and Bireuen to identify needs and map priority clearance zones. He stressed that clearing public road access is BNPP’s primary focus during this acceleration phase of recovery.
“From our observations, many roads remain impassable for residents due to mud deposits following the floods. This is prioritised because it concerns community mobility and economic activity,” he concluded.
By optimising heavy equipment use and engaging communities through the cash-for-work scheme, BNPP hopes to restore main road access promptly. This approach is expected to facilitate community mobility, revive local economies, and deliver tangible benefits to residents in affected areas.