Nearly 98 Per Cent of Houses of Worship Affected by Sumatran Floods Now Operational

Ramadan 1447 H has entered its second week. Communities affected by flooding in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra can now resume religious worship more peacefully. Latest data from the Recovery and Rehabilitation Task Force (Satgas PRR) shows that nearly 98 per cent of houses of worship across the three provinces have returned to operation.

Data as of 27 February 2026 indicates that 1,558 of a total of 1,593 affected religious facilities, or approximately 97.8 per cent, have been restored to use. This recovery enables communities to carry out tarawih prayers, Quran recitation, and other religious activities during Ramadan.

In Aceh, of 918 affected houses of worship, 906 units have resumed operations, whilst 12 mosques remain in the final stages of completion. In North Sumatra, 552 of a total of 571 units have returned to use, with 19 churches still undergoing repairs. In West Sumatra, 100 of 104 affected houses of worship have resumed functioning, and 4 mosques have yet to reopen.

Overall, 35 houses of worship remain in the final stages of rehabilitation. The Satgas PRR continues to complete repairs to ensure all facilities are fully restored to use.

The accelerated recovery of houses of worship has garnered the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who heads the Satgas PRR. During his visit to Aceh on the first day of Ramadan, he emphasised that rehabilitation and reconstruction of public facilities continues to be expedited, including repairs to houses of worship, schools, and Islamic boarding schools.

Similarly, when attending a joint breaking of fast at the Islamic Centre Grand Mosque in Lhokseumawe, Tito expressed joy at being able to resume worship alongside the community. “I am happy to be in Aceh to celebrate Ramadan with the community,” he said.

He also urged all levels of society to remain patient and draw wisdom from the incident. Tito also cited a Quranic verse containing a message about the importance of patience. “Behind difficulties, God will provide goodness. In English, things that cannot kill you makes you stronger,” he said. On this occasion, he also presented religious equipment assistance as a demonstration of government concern for the spiritual needs of residents affected by the disaster.

The nearly 98 per cent figure in the Satgas PRR data aligns with the statement made by the Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar. In a meeting with DPR leadership at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on 18 February 2026, the former Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque noted that the total number of affected houses of worship across the three provinces reached 1,593 units, with 1,558 units or 98 per cent already operational. “Only 35 units remain and require funds of 17.5 billion rupiahs,” he said.

The acceleration effort also involves the Ministry of Public Works as part of the Satgas PRR. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that his ministry has undertaken cleaning and accelerated recovery of houses of worship and religion-based educational facilities. “In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan, we are accelerating the cleaning and restoration of mosques and Islamic schools,” said Dody.