Sumatra Post-Disaster Task Force Accelerates Infrastructure Recovery

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster continues to expedite infrastructure repairs to restore connectivity in areas affected by hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

The Head of the Satgas PRR Post-Sumatra Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in Jakarta on Monday, emphasised that the reconstruction of connectivity infrastructure is the primary priority in post-disaster handling.

“The next phase is to upgrade the condition of roads and bridges from functional to permanent,” he said.

Based on information received from Satgas PRR, the acceleration of repairs to national and local roads and bridges is a priority to restore community social and economic activities and ensure smooth logistics distribution.

Satgas PRR data as of 18 April shows that national and local roads in the three provinces have been functionally restored. In Aceh, all 46 national road sections and 23 national bridges that were previously damaged have been brought back into service.

In North Sumatra, all 30 damaged national road sections and seven national bridges have become operational. Meanwhile, 607 out of 616 local road points and 343 out of 366 local bridges have also been put back into use.

In West Sumatra, all 31 affected national road sections and 13 national bridges have become accessible again. Additionally, 149 out of 167 local road points and 97 out of 163 local bridges have become functional.

“Infrastructure repair work continues. We appreciate the efforts of the TNI/Polri, BNPB, and the Ministry of Public Works in accelerating recovery,” he stated.

The budget is 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 also rebuilding to stronger standards to make them more resistant to future disasters,” he said.