Deputy Task Force Head I PRR Directly Engages in Central Tapanuli, Leads Coordination Meeting to Accelerate Recovery
Swift recovery efforts post-flooding in Sumatra are being intensified. As part of these initiatives, the Deputy Head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) for Sumatra, Lieutenant General TNI Richard Tampubolon, led a coordination meeting with the Central Tapanuli Regency Government in North Sumatra on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
The meeting aimed to ensure that the data collection of evacuees, permanent housing (huntap), and temporary housing (huntara) in Central Tapanuli Regency proceeds optimally. This aligns with the directives from the Task Force Head, Tito Karnavian, to swiftly restore normalcy for flood-affected communities.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Regency Government, the local security coordination forum (Forkopimda), TNI-Polri, the prosecutor’s office, relevant agency officials, and the Satgas PRR team. This on-site field activity serves as part of the bottom-up reporting mechanism to the Task Force Head via the National Post, while also functioning as a multi-stakeholder coordination forum to identify recovery issues and needs.
Central Tapanuli Regency is one of the most severely affected areas and remains a special focus in North Sumatra Province. However, the Deputy Task Force Head reported that conditions in Central Tapanuli are generally under control, though not yet fully stable. This is influenced by adverse weather triggering follow-up floods on 11 and 16 February, as well as 15 March 2026.
Since 14 March, no residents remain in evacuation tents in the regency, as all have been relocated to temporary housing. Based on Satgas PRR data, Central Tapanuli has completed 164 huntara units, and 670 families have received temporary housing allowance funds (DTH).
The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has deployed personnel and heavy equipment to construct sabo dams and conduct pipanisasi for infrastructure recovery in the Tapteng area. These intensive efforts focus on reinforcing riverbanks and accelerating housing construction for disaster-affected residents.
Additionally, the government has channelled aid through the Ministry of Social Affairs, including Social Economic Stimulus Assistance of Rp 5 million per family, housing furnishing aid of Rp 3 million per family, and living guarantee aid of Rp 450,000 per person per month for three months. The total beneficiaries number 7,062 families or 28,556 individuals.
In the infrastructure sector, land connectivity between regencies in North Sumatra has been restored since 20 December 2025. Currently, one road section is operational for four-wheeled vehicles and is undergoing permanent repairs.
Although conditions are generally controlled, follow-up rains still pose a risk of renewed evacuations. High rainfall, particularly in upstream areas, increases river sedimentation and raises water levels to align with settlements, heightening the risk of recurrent flooding. Temporary embankments also remain vulnerable to breaches, despite ongoing emergency responses.
As a precautionary measure, Deputy Task Force Head I PRR, who also serves as Chief of General Staff of the TNI, reported that the Central Satgas PRR has requested the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to implement weather modification operations until the Eid al-Fitr period. This step is expected to mitigate extreme rainfall risks, allowing communities to celebrate Idulfitri more safely and calmly.
Furthermore, the TNI AD has contributed by providing heavy equipment support from the Army Chief of Staff, including 8 excavators, 4 bulldozers, and 10 dump trucks deployed to the area for accelerated construction and pipanisasi. Additionally, 2,000 personnel have been prepared to assist in speeding up the construction of huntap and huntara in Central Tapanuli.
Deputy Task Force Head I PRR Lieutenant General TNI Richard urged local governments to strengthen coordination if facing obstacles in the recovery process. He also emphasised that the Central Post holds daily meetings with ministry/institutional focal points, ensuring regional issues are promptly discussed and addressed.
Satgas PRR will continue to work diligently to accelerate recovery, ensuring all indicators—such as government operations, basic public services, road connectivity, economic activities, and essential community needs—return to normal.