Health Ministry Delivers 31 Ambulances to Disaster-Affected Regions in Sumatra
Jakarta — The Ministry of Health, together with several private companies, has delivered dozens of ambulances to accelerate the recovery of healthcare services in disaster-affected regions in Sumatra. This assistance has been provided to healthcare facilities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra that previously suffered damage from flooding and landslide disasters.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that a total of 31 ambulances have been distributed to hospitals and health centres in the affected areas. This assistance comes from various private sector sources, including Astra, as well as several philanthropic institutions that have assisted in the recovery of healthcare facilities in the region.
According to Budi, in addition to assistance from the private sector, the government has also prepared additional budgetary allocations to accelerate the recovery of healthcare services in disaster-affected areas. The government has approved a budget of approximately 529 billion rupiah that will be used to meet various healthcare facility needs in the three provinces.
Budi explained that the previous disaster caused dozens of hospitals and hundreds of health centres to cease operations. However, within a relatively short time, most healthcare facilities have resumed providing services to the community.
“Within two weeks, hospitals began operating again, and within approximately one month, most health centres were also able to serve patients, although their equipment was not yet fully complete,” Budi said at the Health Ministry in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).
He noted that currently there are still approximately 21 auxiliary health centres (pustu) that need to be rebuilt due to severe damage from the disaster. In addition to healthcare facilities, the government is also paying attention to the condition of healthcare workers affected by the disaster.
Budi noted that thousands of medical personnel suffered damage to their homes due to the disaster and require assistance to repair their residences. Meanwhile, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Sumatra Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force Tito Karnavian stated that the government has prepared housing renovation assistance for healthcare workers with a scheme of 15 million rupiah for minor damage, 30 million rupiah for moderate damage, and 60 million rupiah for severe damage.
To date, approximately 1,000 medical and healthcare personnel have received approval for such assistance. Tito Karnavian also stated that the provision of ambulances from the private sector demonstrates the strength of national resilience in facing disasters.
Tito noted that disaster management in the three provinces has been conducted through collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and support from various non-governmental parties.
“This demonstrates the strength of our nation. Disaster management is conducted jointly by the central government, regional governments, as well as the private sector and community,” he said.
According to task force records, 52 districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra were previously affected by the disaster. Nevertheless, most healthcare facilities are now operational again and healthcare services to the community are beginning to recover.
The ambulances delivered will be distributed to various healthcare facilities including those in Aceh Tamiang District, East Aceh, Bireuen, Central Aceh, Gayo Lues, Bener Meriah, Pidie Jaya, North Aceh, Medan City, Padang Pariaman, and Central Tapanuli. This assistance is expected to strengthen healthcare services and accelerate patient treatment in disaster-affected areas.