PRR Task Force Chief Reveals Post-Disaster Recovery Progress in Aceh Province

The Head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (PRR) for Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, stated that the post-disaster recovery process in Aceh Province continues to show positive developments. This was conveyed during a Coordination Meeting and Evaluation of Achievements in Handling and Accelerating Post-Hydrometeorological Disaster Recovery in Aceh Province at the Aceh Governor’s Office.

Tito explained that based on government evaluations, conditions in various affected areas are now significantly better than when the disaster occurred. Various basic services that were previously disrupted have now resumed, allowing community activities to gradually recover.

“We conducted an evaluation today regarding what has been achieved during the emergency response and transition periods. Essentially, we have returned to normal. However, it is not yet permanent; it is functional normalcy,” Tito said in a written statement on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

Tito noted that this recovery is evident across various indicators, ranging from the government, health, education, and infrastructure sectors to the economy and basic community services. In the government sector, most facilities have returned to function, allowing public services to operate as intended.

Meanwhile, healthcare facilities in affected areas have also resumed operations to serve community needs. In the field of education, teaching and learning activities in the majority of affected schools have resumed. However, Tito acknowledged that some schools still require further attention due to building damage or locations that remain disaster-prone. The government continues to strive to accelerate the rehabilitation of educational facilities to ensure optimal learning processes.

“However, once again, not everything is ideal, such as schools. Some are still in tents, some are in emergency shelters, and some are temporarily using other schools, even though most have returned to their original premises,” he added.

Progress in recovery is also visible in the infrastructure sector. Most road access and bridges are once again usable, allowing for normal community mobility and goods distribution. Nevertheless, the government is still working on repairing several road sections and bridges that suffered heavy damage due to the disaster.

In the economic sector, trading activities in markets, stalls, shops, and other community businesses are also showing a positive recovery trend. Various affected markets have resumed operations, allowing the local economy to move again. Additionally, basic services such as fuel supplies, electricity, and telecommunications have also returned to functionality.

Tito assessed that these achievements are important indicators that life in the affected areas is increasingly recovering and returning to normal. “This means the movement of people and goods is running well, electricity is fine, petrol stations are operational, and the internet is working. Furthermore, logistics are not lacking,” Tito explained.

Despite this, Tito emphasised that the government will not stop at the current achievements. Follow-up works, particularly those related to infrastructure rehabilitation, the management of rivers and flood-prone areas, and the construction of housing for affected communities, will continue to be accelerated. This step is being taken through synergy between the central government, local governments, and all relevant stakeholders.

“Regardless of the fact that we have been able to restore normal community life, many issues remain unresolved. Issues regarding housing, education, schools, madrasahs, roads, bridges, rice fields, and fish ponds, among others,” he said. “What we need to do is repair, rehabilitate, and reconstruct, and if necessary, make them even better.”