Home Affairs Minister: All village governments in Sumatra resume operations

JAKARTA (ANTARA) – Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, chairing the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, has stated that all local governments from regency to district and village levels across Sumatra have resumed operations following the disasters.

He said the task force and relevant ministries and agencies have mobilised to restore Sumatra. Previously, village and district administrations were significantly affected and unable to function.

“Some village offices were affected, and although operations have resumed, some are still in temporary housing (Huntara), others in offices or the village head’s homes,” Tito said after a recovery meeting with the House of Representatives in the parliamentary complex on Monday.

“Hospitals, health facilities, and community health centres (puskesmas) are largely operational, but will be further optimised by the Health Minister. Some sub-health centres remain,” he added.

Despite some isolated villages, he noted that all national roads in Sumatra are now connected, with bridges fully repaired.

Meanwhile, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said the DPR and government, through the task force, have discussed a master plan for Sumatra’s recovery, with the budget already approved.

“We are coordinating to ensure that rehabilitation and reconstruction activities, as well as the technical work plans of ministries and agencies, proceed smoothly,” Dasco said.