Head of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation Task Force Urges Flood Aid Recipients in Sumatra to Use Benefits Wisely
The head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) and Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has urged flood-affected communities in Sumatra to use government social assistance wisely, with the expectation that such aid will help restore economic growth in the three affected provinces.
“We hope that in addition to providing relief, the aid can also help economic recovery,” said Tito during his visit to East Aceh on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Economic growth in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra has declined sharply due to the severe flooding that struck the region in late 2025. Many economic activities have been halted by damage to residential areas and public facilities.
Tito expressed urgency in addressing the situation. He noted that the flooding has also triggered inflationary pressures as goods prices rise due to reduced supply in affected areas. “The highest inflation through December 2025 occurred in disaster-affected areas,” Tito said during his visit to East Aceh on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Furthermore, many residents have lost their possessions and livelihoods, weakening public purchasing power. “We are giving people money so they can shop. If there is shopping, then there will certainly be commerce,” he said.
The total budget allocated for social assistance to Sumatra flood victims is 878.68 billion rupiah. The assistance comprises an Economic Stimulus Social Aid (BSSE) of 5 million rupiah and Housing Assistance (BIH) of 3 million rupiah per family to meet basic household needs. Additionally, a living allowance (jadup) of 450,000 rupiah per person per month for three months is provided to help residents meet daily needs during recovery.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has identified 67,886 beneficiary families, with this figure remaining dynamic and subject to increase depending on requests from local leaders.
Specifically for East Aceh, the Task Force brought social assistance valued at 100,935,850,000 rupiah. The number of validated beneficiaries is 7,643 household heads, comprising 28,831 individuals. Additionally, the government has provided compensation to the heirs of 60 individuals and assistance for two victims who suffered severe injuries.
“This assistance is very important, because hopefully it can help. It cannot solve everything, but it will lighten the burden,” said Task Force Head Tito.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has repeatedly emphasised that the aid must be used as intended. He assured that the Ministry of Social Affairs will conduct oversight through monitoring and evaluation processes.
“We hope the beneficiaries will make proper use of the assistance,” said Gus Ipul.
East Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah stated that the local government is also contributing to oversight efforts. He emphasised that monitoring will not only apply to assistance from the Social Affairs Ministry, but to all aid from the central government, ensuring it reaches the right recipients and is used appropriately.
“We will continue conducting oversight, alongside the Task Force posts, and monitoring will be carried out at the district and city levels,” he said.
One assistance recipient is Khairiyah, 57, a resident of Idi Rayeuk District in East Aceh. She is registered as a recipient of Economic Stimulus Social Aid, Housing Assistance, and living allowance.
She stated that she will use the assistance as effectively as possible. Although her house suffered only minor damage, most of the furniture inside has been destroyed. Khairiyah also supports two children alone after her husband passed away before the floods.
“So I will only buy what is truly necessary. One cabinet is enough; I don’t need much. For the house, since house rehabilitation aid is provided and the kitchen is already damaged, that’s enough,” she said.
Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for receiving the assistance. She hopes the aid will ease her family’s burden and help meet basic needs during the difficult period following the floods. “There is barely anything left in the house,” she said.
The distribution of this social assistance represents the Task Force’s commitment to accelerating recovery by ensuring all indicators are addressed. In addition to social assistance, the Task Force is ensuring the continuation of government administration, basic public services, road connectivity, economic activities, and essential goods supply to normal levels. This acceleration effort is being pursued through intensive coordination with ministries and agencies as well as local governments.