Home Affairs Minister Tito Reports Significant Progress in Sumatra Disaster Recovery, Refugee Numbers Decline Substantially

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, serving as Chairman of the Task Force for Acceleration of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation following natural disasters in Sumatra, presented the latest progress in post-disaster recovery efforts.

Based on data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of 25 February 2026, the number of refugees across three provinces has declined significantly from 2,108,582 to 11,250 people.

This was conveyed by Tito during a Ministerial Coordination Meeting of the Task Force for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction following Natural Disasters in the Sumatra Region at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (PMK), Jakarta, on Friday (27 February 2026).

Tito revealed that of the 11,250 refugees still remaining, 10,400 are in Aceh, whilst a further 850 are in North Sumatra (Sumut).

During the meeting, Tito reported that five villages across two provinces require spatial reorganisation due to disaster impact, namely three villages in Aceh and two villages in North Sumatra. Meanwhile, West Sumatra has no villages requiring reorganisation.

He further reported that of 52 affected districts and cities, 38 have returned to normal conditions. Three other districts and cities are in near-normal condition, whilst 11 areas still require special attention.

Tito explained that the indicators determining normality in an area are determined by several variables, including governance, public services, land access, economic activity, and social conditions.

“Previously, there was another issue affecting rice fields and plantations, as well as fish ponds and fisheries,” said Tito.

On this occasion, he also commended the various ministries, institutions, and regional governments that have worked together to drive post-disaster recovery efforts.

Tito assured that post-disaster reconstruction and rehabilitation currently demonstrate positive progress, from fully functional road access, electricity supply available to communities, to fuel stations operating normally.

For information, 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, as well as relevant officials from various ministries, institutions, and regional governments.