Task Force Head Takes Swift Action to Alleviate Hardship of Disaster Survivors in Sumatra

The Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) following the Sumatra Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, embarked on a series of visits to disaster-affected areas in Aceh at the beginning of the Ramadan fasting period. This was an important step to directly assess the living conditions of disaster survivors in the region.

In addition to monitoring the conditions of survivors during Ramadan, the Ramadan safari visit aimed to directly confirm various aspects of accelerating rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Aceh following the disaster.

Beginning his visit in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Tito inspected areas affected by flooding in Dusun Damai, Bundar Village. During the inspection, Tito observed the progress of mud-clearing operations carried out by cadets from the Institute of Home Affairs (IPDN) of the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri).

Tito expressed great satisfaction with the performance of the IPDN cadets, who had cleared mud in the affected areas, both in the first and second waves. During the visit, Tito also gathered feedback from the community regarding urgent needs for survivors, such as the availability of clean water.

In the afternoon, Tito continued his agenda with a joint iftar (breaking of the fast) event with residents affected by the floods at the Danantara Temporary Housing Complex, Kampung Simpang Empat, Karang Baru District, Aceh Tamiang. In his speech, Tito expressed gratitude for being able to fast together with the community amidst the post-disaster recovery process.

Although the condition in Aceh Tamiang is gradually improving, he emphasised that there are still several tasks that need to be completed urgently, such as handling displaced persons, cleaning rivers, and providing clean water. Tito then continued his visit to East Aceh Regency. The visit began with a joint Subuh (dawn) prayer at the Darussalihin Mosque in East Aceh, Aceh, together with local residents.

In a solemn and family-like atmosphere, Tito distributed community assistance from Kemendagri to the people of East Aceh. The assistance was symbolically handed over to the Regent of East Aceh, Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky, and representatives of the residents. This agenda was carried out to check and review the progress of post-disaster reconstruction in the area.

In the afternoon, Tito continued his working visit to Dusun Kareung, Buket Linteung Village, Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, to meet with disaster survivors and inspect plans for relocation and the construction of decent housing for residents affected by the floods.

Tito affirmed that the government does not want any residents to continue living in tents for an extended period. He emphasised that the construction of temporary housing must be carried out immediately so that the community can live more comfortably while waiting for permanent housing.

“I want decent temporary housing to be built as soon as possible. No more (living) in tents because it is not comfortable,” said Tito, in a written statement on Wednesday (25/2/2026).

Tito then travelled to Lhokseumawe City to attend a joint iftar event at the Islamic Center Grand Mosque, as well as to distribute aid and donations to orphans. On this occasion, Tito presented community assistance in the form of 500 packages of worship equipment – sarongs, prayer veils, prayer mats, and the Quran – from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

In addition, there was also assistance of 2,000 pieces of clothing (headscarves, trousers, and shirts) and 200 jackets and vests for children and adults.

Next, Tito made visits to Bireuen Regency and Pidie Jaya. In Bireuen, he inspected and distributed assistance to the community at the Balee Panah Evacuation Post on Saturday (21/2).

Tito appreciated the progress of post-disaster recovery in Bireuen, which showed positive progress. This was evident from the increasing number of young people using smartphones and electronic devices.

However, he ensured that the acceleration of rehabilitation and reconstruction continues, especially for the repair of schools, places of worship, and Islamic boarding schools. He also invited all parties to be patient while awaiting the results of the government’s hard work.

After leaving Bireuen, Tito travelled to Pidie Jaya Regency to inspect rice fields that were covered in mud due to flooding in Meurah Dua District. During the inspection, Tito emphasised the importance of support from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia to accelerate the recovery of affected land so that it can be productive again.

Tito explained that approximately 1,500 hectares of community rice fields were severely damaged due to being covered in thick mud, with a thickness of up to 50 centimetres to 1 metre in some areas. Tito said that this condition needs to be addressed immediately, given that Pidie Jaya Regency is one of the region’s main food producers, with a total agricultural area of approximately 8,800 hectares.

If not rehabilitated immediately, Tito said, the damage to the land could potentially reduce rice production in the near future.

“Hopefully, the Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, will pay attention so that this land can be made productive again as soon as possible,” said Tito.

Tito concluded his series of visits in Aceh with a joint Subuh prayer at the Raya Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh City, on Sunday (22/2). In his speech, Tito affirmed that his visits to various areas in Aceh at the beginning of Ramadan were not only to strengthen ties but also to directly monitor the progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction following the disaster.

Tito explained that the visit was a follow-up to the mandate given by Prabowo to him as the Head of the PRR Task Force for the Sumatra Disaster Area. Tito added that this task is part of an act of worship in helping the community.

During his final visit, Tito also distributed hundreds of packages of worship equipment, including donations of the Quran from President Prabowo to the people of Aceh.

For information, during his visit to Aceh from 19-21 February, Tito was accompanied by the Director General of Regional Administration Development (Adwil) of Kemendagri, Safrizal ZA; the Vice Governor of Aceh, Fadhlullah TM Daud; and local regional heads.

(akd/akd)