Home Affairs Minister Says 12,944 Displaced Persons Remain Following Sumatra Disaster
The head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, who also serves as Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, outlined the latest developments in the handling of the aftermath of floods and landslides across Sumatra. Tito stated that displaced persons remain in North Sumatra and Aceh.
He made the remarks during a meeting with the leadership of the House of Representatives at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18 February 2026). Tito began by explaining that the total death toll stood at 1,205, with 139 persons still missing.
“The number of displaced persons was previously over two million; it has now been reduced to approximately 12,944 people remaining in tents,” said Tito.
Tito reported that 52 districts and municipalities, 491 sub-districts, and 4,511 villages were affected by the disaster. In addition, there was damage to educational facilities, health facilities, bridges, and places of worship.
Tito explained that in West Sumatra there are no longer any displaced persons. The death toll there reached 267, with 70 persons still missing.
“For West Sumatra, the number of displaced persons has now reached zero, down from 16,164 previously. Some have returned home and received stimulus assistance for lightly or moderately damaged houses, whilst those with severely damaged or destroyed homes are staying in temporary shelters or have received housing transition funds,” he said.
“For West Sumatra, 16 of the 19 existing districts were affected, along with 125 sub-districts and 568 villages. There was also damage to houses, educational facilities, health facilities, bridges, places of worship, and roads, as shown in the data,” he added.
As for North Sumatra, Tito said 850 displaced persons remain. Some 376 people died and 40 are missing.
“Of the initial 53,523 displaced persons, 850 remain. They are in one location only, namely Central Tapanuli, alongside housing damage of more than 30,000 units — covering lightly, moderately, and severely damaged homes — which we have classified as shown in the data in the upper right,” Tito explained.
A total of 18 districts and municipalities, 163 sub-districts, and 897 villages were affected. There was also damage to health facilities, educational facilities, and places of worship.
Meanwhile, in Aceh there are currently 12,144 displaced persons. Tito said the largest number of evacuees is in North Aceh.
“The number of displaced persons in Aceh Province stands at 12,144. The highest concentration is in North Aceh District, with 5,197 people still in tents. This is followed by Southeast Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, Bener Meriah, Bireuen, Gayo Lues, Lhokseumawe, and Nagan Raya,” he detailed.
Tito stated that the death toll in Aceh reached 562, with 29 persons missing. He reported housing damage totalling 256,258 units, ranging from light and moderate to severe damage.
“In the Aceh region, of the 23 districts and municipalities, 18 were affected, covering 203 sub-districts and 3,046 villages or kampungs. This includes lightly, moderately, and severely damaged as well as destroyed homes, educational facilities, health facilities, bridges, and places of worship. We should also note the agricultural sector — both farming and plantations — which was affected in Aceh as well as in North Sumatra and West Sumatra,” he said.