Head of Task Force Tito Reveals Significant Decline in Post-Disaster Refugees in Sumatra
Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, Chairman of the Task Force for Accelerated Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (PRR) for Disaster-Affected Areas in the Sumatran Region, presented recovery progress across three provinces during a ministerial coordination meeting. According to BNPB data as of 25 February 2026, the number of refugees has declined significantly from 2,108,582 to 11,250 people.
Tito presented these findings at the Ministerial Coordination Meeting (Rakor) of the Task Force for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Following Natural Disasters in the Sumatran Region, held at the Building of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) in Jakarta on Friday (27 February).
Tito detailed that of the total 11,250 refugees, 10,400 are based in Aceh and 850 in North Sumatra. In West Sumatra, Tito reported that there are no longer any refugees living in tents.
“In West Sumatra Province, thankfully there are no more refugees in our records. There are no more refugees living in tents; everyone has been relocated to temporary housing,” Tito stated in written remarks on Friday, 27 February 2026.
During the meeting, Tito also reported that five villages across two provinces require restructuring due to disaster impact, namely three villages in Aceh and two in North Sumatra. In West Sumatra, no villages require restructuring.
Tito conveyed that of 52 affected districts and municipalities, 38 have returned to normal conditions. Additionally, three districts and municipalities were reported to be approaching normal conditions, whilst 11 are still in need of special attention.
He explained that the determination of normalcy in an area is assessed based on multiple indicators, including government operations, public services, land access, economy, social conditions, and basic infrastructure indicators such as petrol stations, electricity, water supply, internet, LPG gas, waste management facilities, waste banks, and river normalisation.
“There is also the matter of rice fields and plantations which were affected, as well as fish ponds and fisheries,” he added.
Tito also appreciated the ministries, agencies, and local governments working together to advance recovery. He noted that reconstruction and rehabilitation progress demonstrates positive development, particularly in road access functionality, electricity restoration, and petrol stations returning to operations.
“Where markets have all moved forward and roads are restored, but MSMEs have not yet reached optimal performance. We still have tasks ahead including mud clearance, bridge repairs, village road construction, and areas that need completion,” Tito concluded.
The meeting was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, and representatives of relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments.