Huntara Concept Housing Based on Local Wisdom Built in Central Aceh
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Indonesia (FTUI) together with its Alumni Association (ILUNI FTUI) has begun concrete steps in post-disaster recovery in Central Aceh, Aceh. This collaboration materialises in the construction of temporary housing (huntara) for residents affected by flash flooding in Gewat Village, Linge District.
This humanitarian project goes beyond merely providing shelter; it presents an architectural solution that adapts to the local wisdom of the Gayo people. The team, led by ILUNI FTUI Chairman Farrizky Astrawinata and FTUI Disaster Task Force Chairman Ardiyansyah, has conducted a direct site inspection to the location, approximately 5.5 hours’ drive from Lhokseumawe.
The huntara constructed in Gewat Village uses the Antara Version 3 model. This design represents the technical development of FTUI, which has previously been successfully applied to post-disaster management in Lombok, Palu, and Cianjur.
The uniqueness of this Huntara lies in its adoption of the Uma Pitu Ruang concept, the traditional house of the Gayo people. With dimensions of 4 x 7.2 metres, the building is constructed as a stilted house with robust wooden construction in harmony with the local environmental character.
The application of the stilted house concept is not without technical reason. The structure is designed with an approach that prioritises material efficiency and environmental resilience. Several of its advantages include:
Moisture Protection: Preventing the building from direct contact with the soil.
Air Circulation: Enhancing airflow to maintain comfortable living conditions.
Modular Construction: Facilitating rapid building processes with community participation (gotong royong).
Beyond merely serving as temporary accommodation, FTUI has introduced the concept of “Expandable Housing.” This concept allows for the addition of space or gradual building expansion according to residents’ future needs, enabling the Huntara to serve as a foundation for permanent housing.
Construction, which began on 7 March 2026, targets a total of 12 Huntara units for affected residents. Currently, one unit is complete, whilst land clearance for the other units is ongoing.
According to schedule, four units are targeted for completion before Eid al-Fitr, whilst the remaining seven units will be finished approximately 30 days after the Lebaran holiday. This programme is made possible through close collaboration between FTUI, ILUNI FTUI, UI Peduli, the Institut Kemandirian Dompet Dhuafa, as well as full support from the Central Aceh Regency Government.
Reje (village chief) of Gewat Village, Sandi Suardi, expressed deep appreciation for this assistance. For him, the presence of engineering-based Huntara provides certainty for residents to resume their lives more peacefully whilst rebuilding their post-disaster future.