Market Activity Revives, Aceh Tamiang's Economy Recovers Post-Disaster

The economic vitality of the Aceh Tamiang community is slowly recovering after being severely impacted by a hydrometeorological disaster at the end of November last year. Several shops that were previously paralysed are now operating again, signalling the resurgence of trading activities in the area. The market, as the central hub of economic circulation for the community, is also starting to become active once more. Residents are increasingly visiting the market to meet their daily needs, creating an atmosphere that is approaching normal conditions. One fish trader at the Kuala Simpang Market, Herman, stated that the market conditions are gradually improving. “Alhamdulillah, it’s back to normal now,” said Herman when met at his stall, as per a press release received by Kompas.com on Thursday (30/4/2026). “It’s been a month and a half. The place has been cleaned by the government,” Herman added. The meat market located on the edge of the Tamiang River was one of the public infrastructures severely affected by the flood. Nevertheless, fish supplies are now available again from various regions. “Fish supplies from Banda Aceh are there, from North Sumatra (Sumut), from Medan as well,” said Herman. However, he hopes that the government will soon rehabilitate the market building, particularly the roof section damaged by the flood. “If possible, we request that these zinc sheets be replaced. Many are already damaged and no longer usable. When it rains, we definitely get wet,” Herman added. He explained that when they first resumed trading, the community’s purchasing power was still low, so his goods did not sell well. However, in recent times, the situation has started to improve in line with the increasing community activities. “In the last few months, it was indeed weak, perhaps because many were not yet working. But Alhamdulillah, now it’s starting to show a positive trend, getting better day by day,” said Herman.