Hard Work of the PRR Task Force in Aceh Tamiang to Empty Tents Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah is estimated to be just three days away, according to predictions from the BRIN Space Research Centre. The government, through the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR) for the Sumatra disaster, continues to accelerate recovery efforts, with the primary focus on ensuring no communities remain in evacuation tents, particularly in Aceh Tamiang Regency.
Satgas PRR Head Tito Karnavian has repeatedly emphasised this commitment. During his visit to East Aceh on Monday, 16 March 2026, he stated that all evacuees are targeted to be relocated before Eid al-Fitr, either to temporary housing (huntara) or through the housing delay funds scheme. “Our target is that before Eid, there will be no one left in tents,” he said.
In Aceh Tamiang, relocation progress shows significant development. As of 17 March 2026, there are still 369 family heads in evacuation tents. However, 2,448 huntara units have been completed out of a target of 4,089 units, with 1,865 of them already occupied. This means 583 huntara units remain available to accelerate the relocation of the remaining evacuees.
In addition, the distribution of housing delay funds (DTH) in Aceh Tamiang has been running optimally. A total of 1,476 families are recorded as recipients, and all have received the assistance.
Overall, the number of evacuees in affected areas continues to decline. As of 13 March 2026, the number of evacuees in Aceh Tamiang and North Aceh was still 812 family heads, but it decreased to 465 family heads in five days. This reduction equates to 43 per cent, or an average of about 70 families per day.
In North Aceh, 96 families are still in the relocation process. This area has completed 3,664 huntara units out of a target of 4,485 units, with 2,745 units already occupied, leaving 919 units available to accommodate evacuees.
Meanwhile, other provinces such as North Sumatra and West Sumatra have already completed evacuee relocation earlier. North Sumatra has had no evacuees since 13 March 2026, while West Sumatra since 28 February 2026.
In total, the government targets building 19,351 huntara units in the three affected provinces. To date, 15,915 units have been completed, and 13,591 of them are already occupied.
As a precautionary measure, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is also preparing alternative facilities such as Sports Halls (GOR) and Vocational Training Centres (BLK) in Aceh Tamiang Regency. This step ensures no residents remain in evacuation tents when Eid arrives.
With these various efforts, Satgas PRR is optimistic that all evacuees, especially in Aceh Tamiang, can be relocated soon before Eid al-Fitr, allowing affected communities to welcome Eid more safely and return to normal life.