North Sumatra Provincial Government Ensures Zero Flood Refugees, Already in Temporary and Permanent Housing

The North Sumatra provincial government has confirmed that all refugees from flood and landslide disasters in the province are no longer occupying evacuation tents. The survivors have now moved to more suitable housing, including temporary housing (Huntara), permanent housing (Huntap), or rented houses facilitated by the government. “North Sumatra has zero refugees. Those who were previously in tents are now occupying Huntara, Huntap, and some are renting houses temporarily with funds provided by the government,” stated Basarin Yunus Tanjung, Assistant for Government and Public Welfare at the North Sumatra Provincial Secretariat, on Monday (30/3). Currently, the construction of permanent housing is being accelerated in various affected areas across regencies and cities in North Sumatra. The government targets all victims to soon occupy permanent residences. As part of this acceleration, 120 units of Huntap in Hapesong Village, South Tapanuli Regency, have been handed over to the affected community. “Last week, 120 Huntap units in Hapesong Village, Tapsel, were handed over to the affected community. The remaining permanent housing units are being rushed in their construction,” he explained. Basarin added that the construction of Huntap is carried out collaboratively, involving various parties from government, state institutions, to the private sector. “We are continuously accelerating this together with the private sector and state institutions. We hope this collaboration remains strong, so that disaster-affected communities can recover soon and return to normal life,” he said.