Permanent Housing for Disaster Victims in Sumatra to be Ready Before Eid al-Fitr

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government is targeting that permanent housing units for disaster victims in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh, which are being built in collaboration with the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation, will be ready for occupancy before Eid al-Fitr 2026.

The Minister of Housing and Settlement (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, or Ara, has ensured that he has prepared an agenda to hand over the units to the community once all field preparations have been completed.

“We will strive to ensure that some units can be handed over to the people before Eid al-Fitr. I have already set aside time to be present before Eid al-Fitr. If everything is ready, together with the Minister of Home Affairs, the Head of BPS (Statistics Indonesia), and the Head of KSP (Presidential Staff Office), we will be present on site,” said Ara in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

He appealed to local governments, both governors and regents, to help facilitate the construction of the permanent housing units, especially in providing land and improving access roads to the housing locations.

The Gerindra politician specifically thanked the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation for its participation in the construction and for providing furniture for the residents.

According to data from the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation, the progress of the construction of permanent housing units in North Sumatra in the first phase has reached 648 units out of a total commitment of 1,103 units.

In Tapanuli Tengah Regency, 50 units are targeted to be completed by March 15, 2026, while in Tapanuli Utara, 20 units are targeted to be completed on the same date.

For Aceh, the first phase of construction has reached 600 units out of a total commitment of 1,000 units. As many as 40 units in North Aceh Regency are targeted to be completed by March 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, the progress of construction has only reached 43 units out of a total commitment of 500 units.

The Ministry of PKP is targeting the acceleration of the completion of these units so that disaster-affected communities can immediately occupy decent housing before Eid al-Fitr.

KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of clear journalism and enjoy ad-free reading comfort through Membership. Join KOMPAS.com Plus now.