Key Handover for Permanent Housing Begins, West Sumatra Flood Survivors Start Moving In

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has commenced the handover of keys for permanent housing (huntap) to residents affected by the major floods in West Sumatra at the end of 2025. The handover took place in Padang City, Pariaman City, and Padang Pariaman Regency on 9–10 July 2026. The symbolic key handover was conducted by BNPB Principal Secretary Rustian, marking the start of the utilisation of the completed permanent housing. This activity also serves as evidence of the progress in rehabilitation and reconstruction overseen by the government through the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR). In Padang City, 23 permanent housing units have been built in Kampung Tanjung, Gunung Sarik Sub-district, Kuranji District. The symbolic handover was made to one beneficiary family alongside Deputy Mayor of Padang Maigus Nasir. Meanwhile, in Pariaman City, seven units have been built in Sintuk Village, North Pariaman District, with the symbolic handover conducted with Pariaman Mayor Yota Balad. In Padang Pariaman Regency, the symbolic inauguration of one unit was held in Pasie Laweh Village, Lubuk Alung District, accompanied by Padang Pariaman Regent John Kenedy Azis. Rustian stated that the key handover was carried out so that the completed houses would not be left vacant and could be occupied immediately by the beneficiary communities. The houses provided are a model of independent permanent housing construction using Sepablock (Semen Padang Bata Interlock) material. This innovation from PT Semen Padang uses an interlocking brick system that allows for faster construction, is environmentally friendly, earthquake-resistant, and easy to mobilise to disaster-affected locations. Each permanent housing unit is type 36, featuring two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Once the model houses are completed, BNPB will continue the independent permanent housing construction based on verified survivor data. Rustian reported to the Head of Satgas PRR, Tito Karnavian, on 12 July 2026, that the government hopes the provision of safe and adequate permanent housing will accelerate the social and economic recovery process for the community. However, BNPB, as part of the Task Force, acknowledges that accelerating permanent housing construction in other locations remains a concern. Firstly, several points in West Sumatra still need to speed up completion. Secondly, there is a need to strengthen coordination for the provision of public infrastructure, facilities, and utilities (PSU), as well as to conduct regular monitoring so that all affected residents can immediately occupy decent, safe, and sustainable housing. According to Task Force data as of 13 July 2026, the target for permanent housing in West Sumatra is 2,824 units. Currently, the construction process has only reached 71 units, with 22 of them completed. This acceleration is a key concern for the Head of Satgas PRR, Tito Karnavian, who stated earlier in July that residents whose houses were severely damaged or destroyed must soon have certainty of a decent and safe place to live.