Restoring Connectivity: Infrastructure Repairs in Sumatra Become a Priority
The Task Force (Satgas) for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Post-Disaster in Sumatra continues to intensify infrastructure repairs in Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar). This is aimed at restoring connectivity for residents affected by hydrometeorological disasters.
The Head of the Satgas PRR Post-Disaster in Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, emphasised that the recovery of connectivity infrastructure is the top priority in post-disaster handling in the Sumatra region.
He explained that the next stage is to improve the infrastructure, which is currently only functional, to permanent status so that it becomes stronger and more durable.
These efforts are focused on repairing roads and bridges, both national and local, to allow social and economic activities of the community to return to normal. In addition, logistics distribution in the three affected regions is expected to no longer face obstacles.
Tito also expressed appreciation to various parties involved in accelerating this recovery, from the TNI/Polri, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), to the Ministry of Public Works.
“The work (repairing infrastructure) continues. I truly appreciate the efforts of the TNI/Polri who do not stop, then BNPB all moving, and the Minister of PU (Dody Hanggodo) is also extraordinary,” said Tito, in a written statement on Sunday (19/4/2026).
Based on Satgas PRR data as of (18/4), national and local road infrastructure in the three provinces has been functionally restored. In Aceh, all 46 national road segments and 23 national bridges that were previously damaged have now returned to service.
For local roads in Aceh, 1,521 out of a total of 1,638 points are now usable. Meanwhile, 351 out of a total of 652 local bridges have also resumed operations.
A similar situation has occurred in North Sumatra. Of the 30 national roads and 7 national bridges that were affected, all have now been restored. The number of functional local roads reaches 607 out of a total of 616 points, and 343 out of 366 local bridges can now be crossed.
In West Sumatra, all 31 damaged national roads and 13 national bridges have also become accessible again. In addition, 149 out of 167 local road points and 97 out of 163 local bridges have returned to service.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the government will strengthen rehabilitation and reconstruction through increased funding, particularly in the Bina Marga sector.
He revealed that the budget for that sector has increased by Rp7.61 trillion, from previously Rp14.29 trillion to Rp21.90 trillion. These funds will be focused on handling landslides as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of national and local roads in the affected areas.
“We are not only repairing, but rebuilding with stronger standards so that in the future it is more resistant to disasters,” said Dody.