Synergy Between Local Government and PRR Task Force Successfully Reduces Tent Refugees by 43% Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
Local governments have swiftly aligned their actions with the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) following the Sumatra floods. All efforts are focused on expediting the relocation of residents from emergency tents to more suitable homes before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The results have been significant, with tent refugees reduced by 43% in five days.
The central government’s ambitious target to eliminate tent refugees before Lebaran has been met with acceleration at the local level. In Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, this synergy is evident in the massive relocation of residents to temporary housing (huntara) or the utilisation of existing regional assets.
Central Tapanuli Regent Masinton Pasaribu emphasised that the majority of refugees have now left emergency tents. Support from central aid schemes has been a crucial instrument in speeding up this process. “They have already moved to temporary housing, and they are also receiving Housing Waiting Funds,” said Masinton when met by Tempo on Wednesday, 17 March 2026.
However, he remains prepared with emergency tents as a precautionary measure against follow-up floods due to unstable weather and upstream water flows. TNI personnel also remain on standby at the sites for emergency needs if heavy rain causes flooding again.
Similar swift actions are being intensified in Serambi Mekkah. Aceh Tamiang Regent Armia Pahmi expressed optimism about achieving the zero tent refugee target before the Eid takbir drum is beaten.
This former Deputy Chief of Aceh Police stated that the construction of huntara is currently being rushed to completion by BNPB under the coordination of the PRR Task Force. The strategy being implemented is twofold: accelerating the physical construction of buildings for those opting for huntara, and speeding up administrative processes for residents choosing the Housing Waiting Funds (DTH) scheme. “We are striving so that all refugees, before the holiday, already have huntara or DTH,” Armia stressed.
Nevertheless, Armia did not deny the technical challenges on the ground. Currently, some residents are still holding out under tents because their allocated huntara units are still under construction. On the other hand, most residents opting for the DTH scheme have already rented houses independently but are still awaiting the realisation of the aid fund disbursement.
Racing Against Time
Statements from these local leaders align with the latest PRR Task Force report as of 17 March 2026. Overall, the recovery picture in the affected areas shows significant progress, although the heavy burden is still concentrated in Aceh Province.
In North Sumatra, the zero tent refugee target has practically been achieved (0 households), with the remaining 52 households of refugees all now in government buildings or residents’ homes. A similar situation has occurred in West Sumatra, which is now clear of evacuations, both in tents and public facilities.
However, in Aceh Province, 465 households (1,730 people) are recorded as still holding out under emergency tents. The highest concentration points are in Aceh Tamiang Regency with 369 households scattered across several sub-districts such as Rantau and Sekerak, followed by North Aceh Regency with 96 households in Langkahan Sub-district. In addition, there are still 4,903 households in Aceh who are evacuating in government buildings or community homes while waiting for permanent housing.
Overall, a positive trend in relocation speed is evident, reaching an average of 70 families per day. If on 13 March the number of refugees in Aceh Tamiang and North Aceh still reached 812 households, the latest data as of 17 March shows that figure has been drastically cut to 465 households. This 43% reduction in a short time strengthens optimism among all parties.
Head of the Aceh Region PRR Post Safrizal ZA stated that monitoring is carried out daily to ensure logistical and financial support reaches the regions without hindrance. Cross-ministerial/institutional synergy is mobilised to fully support local governments in this humanitarian mission.
“The government is working hard so that before Eid al-Fitr there are no more refugees in tents. Everyone must already be in more humane housing,” Safrizal affirmed.