Infrastructure in Sumatra Not Yet Fully Restored
The government is continuing the rehabilitation of various infrastructure damaged by hydrometeorological disasters in several regions of Sumatra. Months after the disasters struck, recovery has not been fully completed, particularly in the sectors of roads, bridges, residential areas, and public service facilities.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the damage from the disasters is spread across a number of areas in Aceh and North Sumatra. According to him, the government is continuing to carry out repairs to the affected infrastructure.
"The most affected are roads, bridges, houses, and then other infrastructure," Budi said whilst attending the handover of medical equipment assistance at the Ministry of Health office in Jakarta, Thursday, 25 June 2026.
In addition to basic infrastructure, a number of health facilities also suffered damage. The government has allocated a budget for the rehabilitation of affected hospitals, whilst the strengthening of community health centre facilities is still being carried out in stages.
On the same occasion, the Ministry of Health received medical equipment assistance worth Rp 1.5 billion to be distributed to eight affected districts and cities, namely Aceh Tamiang, North Aceh, East Aceh, Central Aceh, Langkat, Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Agam.
The assistance came from fundraising carried out by the North Sumatra Youth group through the Care for Sumut Running activity. The equipment provided includes patient beds, sterilisation equipment, digital sphygmomanometers, and dental units.
Acting Head of the East Aceh Health Office, Rijalul Fikri, said health services in his region have returned to normal operation. Nevertheless, a number of facilities still require repairs to improve service quality.
"Currently our community health centres are back to running normally, but they still need repairs and facility strengthening," he said.
According to Rijalul, one facility that still requires attention is the Lokop Community Health Centre in the interior region of East Aceh. The inpatient health centre still requires new construction in order to optimally support public health services.
This condition shows that post-disaster challenges do not end after the emergency response period is over. In various regions, rehabilitation still encompasses the recovery of public facilities and basic services that underpin community activities.
Donor representative Bara Hasibuan said the assistance channelled through the Ministry of Health is expected to accelerate the recovery of affected areas. According to him, funds from public fundraising will also be used to support the education sector and the provision of clean water.