Government outlines disaster-affected housing repair scheme in Sumatra

The government has divided the disaster-affected housing repair scheme in Sumatra into two categories: on-site construction or in-situ housing and communal housing in new, safer locations. According to the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) and Chairman of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, Tito Karnavian, the on-site housing repairs will be handled by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). ‘As for the houses, they are split into two categories. For in-situ, meaning on their own land, BNPB will build them. And BNPB is already working quickly,’ Tito said during a press conference at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, 25 May 2026. Meanwhile, communal housing construction will be handled by the Ministry of Housing and Settlement (PKP). ‘Now, aside from the data collection already done, the crucial part is the land. This is a complex area, so safe land must be prepared. Not in the original location,’ he said. He explained that the government will involve the Geological Agency to ensure the safety of new housing sites, avoiding disaster-prone areas. ‘Geological agency checks will be needed for safety,’ Tito added. Additionally, support from several ministries and local governments is required for land preparation. This includes the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), the Ministry of Environment, and local governments. ‘Some local governments can handle it, and a few have already prepared land. But others cannot, as it involves HGU. This requires support from the Ministry of ATR/BPN,’ he said. Tito stated that the government has not yet calculated the exact land requirement for communal housing, but land preparation is being expedited. ‘We haven’t calculated the exact amount yet, but we’re trying to do it as quickly as possible. The sooner the better,’ he concluded.