Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Urges Acceleration of Temporary Housing Development for Brebes Disaster Victims
A landslide disaster in Mendala Village, Sirampog District, Brebes Regency, Central Java, which began in early 2025, has resulted in hundreds of homes being damaged and local residents being forced to evacuate.
In response, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono has expressed hope that the relocation process for disaster victims will proceed more rapidly through the provision of temporary and permanent housing at safer locations. This statement was made by Agus Jabo during an audience with the Social Affairs Office of Brebes Regency at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta today.
Present at the meeting were Acting Director of Social Protection for Disaster Victims at the Ministry of Social Affairs Masryani Mansyur, as well as the Head of the Social Affairs Office of Brebes Regency I. Baehaqi and Head of Social Welfare Division Tarsono.
“Concerning the plan for temporary and permanent housing, the Ministry of Social Affairs is awaiting the designation of the location and land readiness from the local government,” said Agus Jabo in a written statement on Wednesday (25 February 2026).
He stated that to expedite the provision of temporary and permanent housing, Agus Jabo requested that all field obstacles be immediately reported for follow-up action. He emphasised the importance of support infrastructure readiness as well as the involvement of the Disaster Alert Corps (Tagana) and social facilitators in the process of assisting residents.
In the meeting, Brebes Social Affairs Office reported that the landslide disaster in Mendala Village, Sirampog District, continues to expand. The local government is currently implementing a process to relocate affected residents and is preparing the construction of permanent housing through regular coordination meetings.
Based on preliminary reports, 176 heads of household or 530 people have been affected by the landslide disaster. Additionally, 143 housing units have been reported to have sustained damage.
“We have received reports of 176 heads of household or 530 people affected, as well as 143 homes sustaining damage. Logistical assistance has already been distributed, and coordination with the local government continues for temporary housing management through to permanent housing plans,” said Agus Jabo.
He emphasised that the management process must proceed swiftly whilst still adhering to applicable regulations. Synergy between district, provincial, and central government is crucial so that each stage can be implemented properly.
“In addition to logistical assistance through the buffer stock mechanism, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also coordinating with the Social Affairs Office of Central Java Province to ensure that residents’ basic needs are met,” he concluded.