Minister of Religious Affairs: 98% of Disaster-Affected Houses of Worship in Sumatra Back in Operation

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated that 98 per cent of houses of worship affected by disasters in Sumatra have been restored to operational use. A total of 1,593 houses of worship were impacted by the disasters.

“Regarding houses of worship, we need to explain that the total affected across three provinces was 1,593. Some 1,558, or 98 per cent, are now operational, leaving just 35 units still requiring Rp 17.5 billion in funding,” Nasaruddin said during a joint meeting with House of Representatives leaders at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18/2/2026).

Nasaruddin said 773 madrasas were affected by the disasters, of which 651, or 84 per cent, have resumed operations.

“The remaining 122 still require Rp 228 billion in funding,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that 1,173 Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) were affected, with 883, or 75 per cent, having returned to operation.

“Some 290 remain non-operational, requiring Rp 144.64 billion in funding,” he said.

Nasaruddin stated that the total proposed recovery budget amounts to Rp 702.92 billion, which has been submitted to the Minister of State Secretary.

“What we have proposed to the State Secretary is Rp 702.92 billion, but we have not yet received approval. We implore that on this occasion, this is truly needed,” he said.

In Aceh, the number of affected madrasas reached 471 units, comprising 192 with minor damage, 223 with moderate damage, 47 with severe damage, and 9 earmarked for relocation. In North Sumatra, 263 madrasas were affected, with 222 sustaining minor damage, 2 moderate damage, and 41 severe damage. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, 39 madrasas were affected, consisting of 6 with minor damage, 8 with moderate damage, 22 with severe damage, and 3 requiring relocation.

“The damage assessment is based on essential spaces — classrooms, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, and the madrasa principal’s office,” he said.