Task Force Collects 2,684.51 Cubic Metres of Driftwood After Sumatra Flooding

Jakarta — The Task Force for Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Following the Sumatra Disaster has collected 2,684.51 cubic metres of driftwood that was swept away during flooding in Sumatra. The spokesperson for the task force, Amran, revealed that some of the collected timber is being used for the construction of temporary housing (huntara) for affected communities.

“Data shows that approximately 2,684.51 cubic metres of driftwood has been successfully collected, with portions being utilised to support the construction of temporary housing for disaster-affected residents,” Amran stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs building in central Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Beyond timber collection, the task force has been actively clearing mud that covered roads and public facilities. A total of 102 locations remain in the cleaning phase.

“This means we have completed a total of 100 per cent cleaning at some locations, whilst 102 others are still under treatment,” Amran explained.

He confirmed that locations still under remediation are small areas that serve as access to various roads. National roads and provincial roads that were previously covered in mud are now 100 per cent clean.

Mud clearance is part of the post-disaster rehabilitation phase aimed at restoring public access and ensuring that public facilities can resume normal operations. “What is not yet complete is still in process — some are already 80 per cent done, some are 90 per cent, 60 per cent, and some are still below 50 per cent,” he stated.

In West Sumatra Province, all 29 targeted locations have been cleared. In North Sumatra Province, 11 of the 24 affected target locations have been cleaned, with 13 others still under active work.

“The data we have collected regarding mud clearance, whether conducted by the Ministry of Public Works or other agencies, shows 100 per cent completion in locations such as East Aceh, where several schools are completely clean both inside and in surrounding areas,” he emphasised.