Flood Victims in Malalak, West Sumatra Begin Adapting to Three Weeks in Temporary Housing
Malalak, Agam Regency — Flood-affected residents occupying temporary housing (huntara) in Nagari Malalak Timur, Malalak District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra have begun adapting to their new circumstances after spending more than three weeks in the facilities.
An observation of the temporary housing complex, named Huntara Bukik Malanca and constructed by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), on Monday revealed several disaster-affected families conversing outside their units whilst awaiting the Maghrib call to prayer, signalling the onset of the breaking of the fast during Ramadan.
Within the temporary housing area comprising 14 units, several children aged approximately five to seven years were seen playing nearby. Meanwhile, other residents were busy preparing meals for breaking the fast with their families.
One resident, Mardanis, 59, now occupies a temporary housing unit measuring approximately 4 by 6 metres with four family members. He acknowledged that he is beginning to adapt to the temporary accommodation conditions. Although not entirely comfortable, he admitted that conditions in the temporary housing are considerably more comfortable than his previous residence.
Prior to the disaster, he occupied a two-storey house in Jorong Toboh, Nagari Malalak Timur, one of the areas affected by flooding in late November 2025. The disaster destroyed the rear portion of his house, whilst the front section sustained severe damage and was deemed unsafe for habitation. Following the disaster, Mardanis and his family moved between neighbours’ houses before eventually occupying the temporary housing.
Regarding assistance, he has received food aid and cash assistance in reasonable amounts. Nevertheless, he hopes that the construction of permanent housing for disaster victims will be realised swiftly.
Malalak District Head Ulya Satar, interviewed at his office, stated that all residents of Huntara Bukik Malanca are from Jorong Toboh and Jorong Subarang Pakan Usang in Nagari Malalak Timur.
“The temporary housing has been occupied for three weeks, and was occupied by residents before the holy month of Ramadan, as the BNPB and our government specifically prepared the temporary housing before entering the holy month of Ramadan,” said Ulya.