Post-Flood Sanitation Recovery in Sumatra: 81 Per Cent of Washing and Toilet Facilities Completed
Sanitation is an urgent basic need for survivors of Sumatra’s floods. Washing, toilet and bathing facilities (MCK) are vital as they directly relate to public health and disease prevention. Meeting this basic infrastructure need is a key focus of the Task Force for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) in speeding up post-disaster recovery.
Since receiving a mandate from President Prabowo on 6 January 2026, the various elements within Satgas PRR have recorded significant progress in constructing MCK facilities across disaster-affected areas in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
According to reports from 17 February, the total target for MCK construction was recorded at 203 units. Of this figure, 176 units had been completed, equivalent to 87 per cent. As the situation on the ground developed, the construction target subsequently increased to 257 units according to the latest data from 11 March. To date, 208 units have been completed, or approximately 81 per cent of the new total target.
Broken down by province, North Sumatra has recorded the highest progress. Of the 139-unit target, 128 units have been completed, or approximately 92 per cent. In Aceh, although the target increased from 40 to 72 units, field teams successfully completed 54 units.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra continues to face particular challenges. Of the 46-unit target, only 26 units have been completed, or approximately 56.5 per cent—relatively unchanged compared to the mid-February report.
Recovery conditions in West Sumatra actually show reasonably positive developments. One indicator can be seen in evacuation tents that are now empty. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah has also issued a Decree on the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan (R3P) since January. This document serves as the basis for planning various recovery programmes, including the construction of basic infrastructure such as sanitation facilities.
The R3P has been prepared for 13 regencies and cities affected by hydrometeorological disasters in the region. The document contains data on damage as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction needs across various sectors, from infrastructure and community housing to social and economic recovery.
The Secretary-General of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Rustian stated that the R3P document serves as the main guideline in implementing post-flood recovery in West Sumatra. “We will continue to support and ensure that the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases are carried out in a manner that is accountable, transparent and in the interests of the community,” he said according to a statement.
Nevertheless, the construction of sanitation facilities in several areas continues to face technical obstacles. Damage to clean water networks caused by floods and landslides means that building MCK facilities is not enough just to erect physical structures. The construction of boreholes and repairs to water distribution networks must be carried out simultaneously in order for sanitation facilities to function.
The completion of these sanitation facilities has been a priority for Satgas PRR Chairperson Tito Karnavian. He stated that the construction of boreholes and emergency MCK facilities continues to be expedited to meet the basic needs of disaster-affected residents across Sumatra whilst preventing the emergence of health problems in evacuation centres.
Tito also appreciated the cross-sectoral collaboration involved in providing boreholes and sanitation facilities in disaster-affected areas, including support from the Indonesian Military and National Police in the construction process and distribution of aid. “Thank you very much to PLN, Danantara and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for helping with borehole and MCK construction,” he said.
However, he reminded that the need for clean water and sanitation remains an urgent problem as many drinking water networks have been damaged by floods and landslides that have struck various areas across Sumatra. “Because this is a matter of hygiene and drinking water for the comfort of residents,” Tito said.