Government's Reasons for Accelerating Permanent Housing Construction for Flood Victims in Sumatra

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Minister of Home Affairs and Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Post-Sumatra Disaster, Tito Karnavian, stated that the government is striving to speed up the construction of permanent housing for affected communities whose homes were severely damaged. This effort is being undertaken so that the affected population does not have to stay in temporary housing for too long. “This is indeed the stage; the temporary housing stage is almost complete. So, we are now entering the stage where we are accelerating the permanent housing for everyone,” said Tito in his statement on Friday (27/3/2026). Tito explained that the construction of permanent housing follows two schemes: in-situ, or on-site, and communal scheme construction. In addition to independent building, communities can also hand over the construction directly to BNPB. “In Aceh, I discussed with the Head of BNPB yesterday; approximately 15,000 out of 26,000 are in-situ. Both those built by BNPB or built by themselves, with funds provided by BNPB,” Tito remarked. The construction process for this scheme will be carried out by the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (PKP) in collaboration with other ministries and agencies. The construction of permanent housing in Dolok Nauli Village, Adian Koting Subdistrict, North Tapanuli Regency, serves as an example of the communal scheme with support from non-governmental entities, namely the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation. The details are as follows: 1,000 units in Aceh, 1,103 units in North Sumatra, and 500 units in West Sumatra. Meanwhile, specifically for North Tapanuli Regency, the foundation will build 103 units of permanent housing.