Refugee Numbers Fall as Rehabilitation Task Force Optimistic About Completing Temporary Housing Relocation Before Eid

The Task Force for Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in Sumatra has reported a significant decline in the number of refugees in Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar).

Based on the task force’s daily report as of 9 March, refugee numbers have decreased compared to two days prior.

In Aceh, the refugee population fell from 2,099 households to 1,695 households, a reduction of 404 households.

In North Sumatra, refugee numbers decreased from 201 households to 177 households, representing a decline of 24 households. Meanwhile, West Sumatra no longer has refugees housed in tents.

Amran, the spokesman for the PRR Task Force, expressed optimism that tent refugee numbers will continue to decline leading up to Eid al-Fitr 2026.

“This trend will continue to decrease until the upcoming Eid. We are confident that refugee numbers will continue to occupy temporary housing units so there will be no more refugees living in tents,” stated Amran in a press release received by Kompas.com on Monday (9 March 2026).

This statement was made during a press conference at the Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) in Jakarta on Monday.

The decline in refugee numbers also aligns with the acceleration of temporary housing construction across the three affected provinces.

Of the total planned 18,697 temporary housing units across the three provinces, 13,431 units have been completed, representing approximately 71 per cent of the target.

In addition to temporary housing construction, the government is also disbursing temporary housing assistance funds (DTH) to survivors who have chosen not to reside in temporary housing units.

To date, all recipient accounts for DTH assistance have received fund transfers, with disbursement reaching 100 per cent for 12,771 recipients across the three provinces.