Interior Minister Tito Emphasises Normalisation of Disaster-Affected Rivers as Priority for PRR Task Force

The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) following the Sumatra disaster has emphasised the handling of river infrastructure in the three affected provinces as one of the long-term priorities in the recovery phase, which will also support irrigation for farmers’ rice fields and fishponds. Chairman of Satgas PRR Muhammad Tito Karnavian stated that river normalisation is crucial to support the lives of communities dependent on primary economic sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. Based on Satgas PRR data, the rivers affected by hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra mostly experience shallowing due to sedimentation. “Rivers are important to me; this will take a long time for the rivers because there are many of them. In total, many are sedimented, long and wide. This handling is urgent because it directly relates to the rice fields and fishponds owned by residents,” Tito said in Jakarta, quoted on Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Satgas PRR data shows that in the affected areas, there are dozens of rivers with varying conditions, from heavy sedimentation and embankment damage to changes in river courses. In Aceh Province, 55 affected rivers have been recorded that require phased handling. The distribution of river damage in Aceh covers North Aceh, Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Langsa, East Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, South Aceh, West Aceh, Nagan Raya, Southeast Aceh, and Subulussalam. In North Sumatra Province, there are 48 affected rivers covering Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Sibolga, Medan, Deli Serdang, Langkat, Serdang Bedagai, Mandailing Natal, and Batu Bara. In West Sumatra, 43 affected rivers have been recorded covering Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pasaman, West Pasaman, Solok, Tanah Datar, Agam, and South Pesisir. Tito explained that river handling is carried out through two main approaches: emergency response to anticipate further impacts, and rehabilitation and reconstruction to ensure permanent repairs. According to him, the geographical conditions of the affected areas, which are dispersed, also pose a particular challenge in river recovery, unlike disasters concentrated in one location. “If we enter areas near the river, they are affected. So this is scattered, sporadic in nature. That’s what makes the handling take time,” Tito said.