Ministry: Permanent Housing for Disaster Survivors in Sumatra Under Construction

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) said construction was under way on 7,952 permanent homes for disaster survivors in three provinces: Aceh, West Sumatra and North Sumatra.

“Work is currently under way on 7,952 permanent homes. We also held a progress meeting earlier, chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, together with the Home Affairs Minister, who is the head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction following natural disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra. All the projects are under way,” said Teddy Paul H. Siagian, acting director-general for rural housing at the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, in Jakarta on Monday.

Teddy said construction in North Sumatra and West Sumatra had encountered no difficulties, but work in Aceh faced weather-related challenges, including heavy rain and rising river levels.

“Our sites are all safe, as they have been assessed by the Geological Agency. The problem is access. The relevant regional technical implementation units can handle issues such as landslides on roads or damaged bridges themselves where possible. But if the damage is substantial, we coordinate with the task force’s command post,” he said.

He said the task force’s command post had appointed a person in charge for each affected regency or municipality, and was also coordinating with local governments.

“We also regularly ask the Ministry of Public Works for assistance with access,” he said.

The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas is accelerating construction of permanent homes and public infrastructure and utilities for people affected by disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

By the end of September 2026, winners had been selected for 45 of the 50 construction packages for homes and supporting infrastructure, covering the planned 7,952 permanent units. The work is targeted for rapid completion, while meeting quality and cost requirements and maintaining transparency, with completion due by 31 December 2026.

Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait said permanent homes for disaster-affected residents must be built responsibly, with priority given to construction quality and integrity at every stage, from procurement through to completion.

He said accelerating construction must not come at the expense of procurement rules, technical standards or building quality. The government wants to ensure that every home is fit for purpose, safe, well-built and ready for residents in need to move into as soon as possible.