Public Works Official Reveals Massive Funding Gap for Sumatra's Post-Disaster Rehabilitation

The Ministry of Public Works has revealed that the budget allocation in the 2027 Draft State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (RAPBN) is insufficient to cover the full rehabilitation and reconstruction needs following disasters in Sumatra. The Directorate General of Human Settlements, for instance, requires an additional Rp2.54 trillion on top of its indicative ceiling of Rp1.99 trillion to rebuild water supply, sanitation, residential areas, and buildings in the affected regions. ‘We have included activities to support the acceleration of post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sumatra, specifically in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, within the indicative ceiling of Rp1.99 trillion,’ said Acting Director General of Human Settlements Chandra P. Situmorang during a hearing with the House of Representatives’ Commission V in Jakarta on Monday. ‘However, based on the master plan document for accelerating post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sumatra, the total need is approximately Rp4.53 trillion, so we still require an additional Rp2.54 trillion.’ Similarly, the Directorate General of Strategic Infrastructure faces a significant funding gap. The directorate has been allocated Rp1.156 trillion to restore educational facilities, health facilities, places of worship, and other public infrastructure. Yet, its total budget requirement stands at Rp50.876 trillion, meaning the indicative ceiling only covers about 62% of the necessary funds. The ministry hopes the funding gap can be addressed in subsequent budget discussions to prevent delays in restoring economic activity and public services in the disaster-stricken areas.