PRR Task Force: Weather and Access Remain Obstacles to Aceh Rehabilitation and Reconstruction

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Acceleration Task Force has stated that the rehabilitation and reconstruction process in Aceh is still being hindered by weather conditions and limited access to several remote areas.

“Some of the obstacles found in the field, the most primary factor, is the issue of weather,” said the Chairman of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Aceh PRR Task Force Team, Imran, in Banda Aceh on Saturday.

Imran made the statement during the ‘National Coffee Discussion’ event titled “Accelerating Aceh’s Reconstruction Post-Hydrometeorological Disaster to Strengthen National Resilience,” organised by the DPD Ikatan Keluarga Alumni Lemhannas Aceh in Banda Aceh.

Imran noted that, as of today, several disaster-affected areas in Aceh continue to experience heavy rainfall, such as Gayo Lues Regency, which is hit by rain almost every day.

The second obstacle, according to Imran, is the local government’s understanding of policies established by the central government. For instance, there has been a slow realisation of Regional Financial Transfers (TKD).

In accordance with the Circular Letter of the Minister of Home Affairs, the determination regarding changes to additional TKD only requires a regional head regulation and does not need to be discussed with the legislature.

“We hope that with such ease, the realisation of budgets and activities can be accelerated, especially for disaster-affected areas,” he said.

“So, those are the obstacles in the field, alongside other factors such as slow administration and so on,” he added.

Imran added that regarding Aceh’s post-disaster management, the PRR Task Force continues to conduct evaluations ranging from budget absorption to the recovery of infrastructure at crucial points, such as the repair of roads, bridges, river normalisation, health and education facilities, and the rehabilitation of paddy fields.

“We hope that this rehabilitation and reconstruction period can proceed well, and that the targets set by the government through the master plan can be successfully realised,” he said.