PRR Task Force Implements Modern, Sustainable Clean Water Infrastructure After Sumatra Disasters
The Task Force for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR Task Force) for Sumatra disaster recovery is strengthening the process of restoring clean water access for communities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra through modern, permanent, and sustainable water supply systems.
This is demonstrated by a combination of constructing hundreds of borehole wells on-site and developing large-capacity Drinking Water Supply Systems (SPAM) designed to meet long-term community needs. One example is the Baja Water Treatment Plant (IPA) within the Karang Baru SPAM in Aceh Tamiang Regency, which has reached 30% progress and is targeted for completion by August 2026.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the success of post-disaster modern water systems depends on two factors: construction progress and ensuring a reliable raw water source to maintain service across all seasons. “The construction of the 2x50 Lps Baja IPA is underway, but we must ensure the intake source is secure. While river levels are currently high, we must check during dry seasons whether the flow remains sufficient,” Dody said during an inspection of the Karang Baru SPAM construction in Aceh Tamiang.
The Karang Baru SPAM will gradually provide clean water connections to approximately 10,000 households. The infrastructure is designed to address current needs while bolstering long-term resilience of the community’s water supply.
In North Aceh Regency, the Langkahan SPAM, which was affected by floods and sedimentation, is being restored. Following emergency measures that restored water distribution to around 1,500 households, the PRR Task Force is now preparing to build a new 50-litre-per-second Langkahan IKK SPAM to strengthen the existing system, which has exceeded capacity.
According to Dody, comprehensive recovery must include repairing main installations and household distribution networks affected by mud and damage. “Many household connections are buried under mud, some are leaking, others need to be cut and replaced. We are working to restore services as quickly as possible,” he said.
PRR Task Force data as of 30 May 2026 shows expanding clean water support across the three affected provinces. The Ministry of Public Works has constructed 280 deep boreholes and 70 shallow boreholes, BNPB has handled 313 boreholes, while the Army (TNI AD) has built 489 boreholes and 257 sanitation facilities. Additional support comes from the police through the construction of hundreds of boreholes.