PRR Task Force Ensures Weekly Updates on Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as the Head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force, stated that information regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Sumatra will be updated weekly by each respective ministry and agency.

This week, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reported that teaching and learning activities in 4,922 schools affected by disasters in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are now 100 per cent operational.

“There will be further explanations in the following weeks and subsequent weeks. The Minister of Public Works may explain the repairs to road access, bridges, rivers, and other massive-scale projects,” Tito said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Tito revealed that the government has prepared a total budget of Rp100.1 trillion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase in Sumatra.

“This serves as evidence that the government, particularly the central government, is not remaining idle regarding the disaster events in Sumatra. We are working extensively during this rehab and recon stage,” he added.

During the session, Tito noted that the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase does not only focus on infrastructure but also encompasses healthcare access and the economic aspects of the disaster-affected communities.

He cited measures already taken by the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, regarding the recovery programme for affected paddy fields, as well as the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ focus on restoring affected community fish ponds.

“Although many activities on the ground are already well-known, general explanations are necessary. We will provide these updates every week,” he concluded.