Sumatra Disaster Recovery Improves, Majority of Affected Areas Return to Normal

Home Affairs Minister and Chair of the Sumatra Disaster Recovery Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR), Muhammad Tito Karnavian, reported that recovery efforts in flood-affected areas across Sumatra are showing progress.

He made the statement during a coordination meeting attended by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno; the National Development Planning Minister/Bappenas Chief, Rachmat Pambudy; and senior officials from the Home Affairs Ministry.

According to data as of Sunday, 24 May 2026, the majority of affected areas across three provinces are gradually returning to normal.

Tito stated that these achievements resulted from collaboration between the central and local governments since the emergency, response, and transition phases to recovery.

All displaced persons have been moved out of temporary shelters and are now residing in temporary housing or utilising the Temporary Housing Allowance (DTH).

‘In West Sumatra, 13 out of 16 affected regencies/cities have returned to normal, 80 per cent, with others approaching normalcy, particularly in Tanah Datar. Agam and Padang Pariaman require continued attention,’ Tito said during the coordination meeting on disaster recovery in Sumatra.

In North Sumatra, 16 out of 19 affected regencies/cities have returned to normal. South Tapanuli is recovering, while Central and North Tapanuli still require attention.

In Aceh Province, 10 out of 18 affected regencies/cities have shown improvement.

Gayo Lues has begun recovering, while seven other areas requiring attention include Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, North Aceh, Bireuen, Pidie Jaya, Central Aceh, and Bener Meriah.

Tito explained that regional assessments were based on indicators including government operations, healthcare services, educational activities, road access, and the functionality of basic services and community economic activities.

‘Additionally, economic aspects, places of worship, and essential basic needs such as petrol stations, water utilities, and internet connectivity,’ he added.

‘For disaster-affected regions, the TKD should not be reduced; if necessary, it should be increased. They will still have to manage significant residual issues,’ he concluded.