Post-Disaster Recovery in Sumatra Progressing Swiftly, Government Claims Conditions Gradually Normalising
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The rehabilitation and reconstruction process in disaster-affected areas in Sumatra continues to show positive developments. Access to roads, electricity, and healthcare services in several impacted districts has been reported as starting to return to normal.
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) and Head of the Task Force (Kasatgas) for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, stated that President RI Prabowo Subianto appreciates the rapid progress of post-disaster recovery in Sumatra. He said that based on current data, infrastructure access has been restored, marked by the opening of national and provincial roads, as well as electricity availability in nearly all affected areas.
“Then communication, internet, and so on are also running smoothly. Community health centres, general hospitals, in all affected areas—52 regencies/cities—are also running smoothly,” said Tito on Saturday (21/3/2026).
From an economic perspective, Tito explained that markets in the disaster-affected areas have been operating. In fact, several markets in Aceh Tamiang appear to be crowded with people. He assured that the situation in Aceh Tamiang Regency is safe, smooth, and under control.
On the other hand, evacuees who were previously in tents have been relocated to temporary housing (huntara) prepared by the government. On that occasion, Tito expressed gratitude and thanks to President Prabowo Subianto for taking the opportunity to be present among the disaster-affected community in Aceh Tamiang.
“So, Alhamdulillah, the President had the opportunity to be present in Aceh, and I think the people of Aceh greatly appreciate it,” he said.
He revealed that Prabowo is giving serious attention to the three disaster-affected areas in Sumatra, namely Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar). This is marked by the President’s presence during the New Year momentum in Sumut, as well as several visits to Sumbar.
“He performed Eid al-Fitr prayers together with the evacuees in Aceh Tamiang as a symbol, in my opinion, of his concern for the evacuees and also the previous disaster calamity,” he said.
Tito assured that the PRR Task Force, together with relevant parties, will continue to work hard to ensure that the acceleration of recovery proceeds optimally. With support from various parties, he hopes that conditions in the post-disaster Sumatra areas can recover and return to full normality.