Fahri Hamzah Urges Sade Village Residents Not to Rush House Reconstruction Following Fire

The Deputy Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Fahri Hamzah, has requested that residents affected by the fire in the Sade Traditional Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB), do not rush to rebuild their homes, especially if using only existing donations.

Fahri has asked residents to remain patient until the government, in collaboration with the University of Mataram (Unram), completes the reconstruction planning for the area. A total of 75 houses in the Sade Traditional Village were previously affected by the fire.

“It will become a problem if this infrastructure issue is not addressed first. We do not want Sade Village to be rebuilt only for a short period. We want it to endure much longer,” Fahri stated firmly while inspecting the conditions in Sade Village post-fire on Wednesday (2/9/2026).

According to Fahri, reconstruction should not rely solely on the aid or donations the community has received. The government intends for the reconstruction to be based on mature planning so that the traditional area can be preserved in the long term.

Currently, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) for the reconstruction of Sade Village is being drafted by the University of Mataram in conjunction with the government. Fahri expressed hope that this planning process would be completed promptly.

While awaiting the planning process, Fahri ensured that the central government has coordinated with the local government to meet the urgent needs of the affected community.

“We will work with the local government to address the short-term needs of the community, ensuring their basic requirements are met before more rapid construction begins,” he added.

Fahri acknowledged his understanding of the plight of residents who have lost their homes and livelihoods. However, he urged the community to remain patient until the reconstruction plan is finalised.

“I heard there is already a team from Unram; I hope this can be completed,” he said.

He noted that the Sade Traditional Village holds a long history for the Sasak people on Lombok Island. Consequently, the government cannot remain idle and allow such a national asset to suffer after a disaster.

He believes that the DED, conducted by academics and experts from Unram, will assist the government in determining policy. He stated that all parties are currently awaiting the direction of policy to be decided in a cross-ministerial meeting.

“We must not let the cultural village lose its essence or its beauty because infrastructure issues or other matters remain unresolved. This requires larger investment. Otherwise, this village will simply become an ordinary village. We want this village to remain as it was,” he concluded.