Refugee Numbers Fall as PRR Task Force Confident in Complete Relocation Before Eid

The Task Force for Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) for Post-Disaster Sumatra has reported current progress on significantly declining refugee numbers in Aceh Province, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar).

Based on the daily Satgas PRR report dated 9 March, a reduction in refugee numbers was recorded compared to two days prior. The breakdown shows that in Aceh, the number decreased from 2,099 households (KK) to 1,695 KK currently remaining in refugee camps, a reduction of 404 KK. In North Sumatra, numbers fell from 201 KK to 177 KK remaining in refugee camps, a reduction of 24 KK. Meanwhile, West Sumatra Province has reported zero refugees in refugee camps.

Satgas PRR Spokesperson Amran expressed optimism that refugee numbers in tents will continue to decline before Eid al-Fitr 2026. The strategy for reducing refugee numbers moving to temporary housing (huntara) is progressing effectively, resulting in significant decreases in refugee populations. This was stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Internal Affairs office on Monday.

“This downward trend in refugee numbers will continue until the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebration. We are confident that the number of refugees will continue to decline and they will occupy temporary housing. So we will no longer see refugees in tents,” Amran stated in a written statement dated Monday (9/3/2026).

As noted, the reduction in tent refugees also aligns with accelerated temporary housing construction in the three affected provinces. Of the planned 18,697 temporary housing units across the three affected provinces, 13,431 units have been completed to date, representing approximately 71 per cent of the overall target.

“Meanwhile, West Sumatra’s temporary housing construction has even reached 100 per cent completion, North Sumatra has reached 92 per cent, and Aceh has reached approximately 68 per cent,” Amran explained.

In addition to temporary housing construction, the government’s strategy for reducing refugee numbers has been accompanied by the distribution of Housing Waiting Assistance Funds (DTH) to disaster survivors who prefer not to stay in temporary housing.

“To date, all DTH recipient accounts have received fund transfers with a distribution rate of 100 per cent for 12,771 beneficiaries across the three provinces,” Amran concluded.