Task Force Head Tito: Sumatra Post-Disaster Recovery Shows Significant Progress, Permanent Housing Becomes Priority
Home Affairs Minister and Chairman of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, provided updates on the handling of post-hydrometeorological disaster recovery in Aceh, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar).
He stated that recovery in the three provinces shows positive progress, although acceleration is still needed in several areas.
This was conveyed by Tito after attending the Ministerial-Level Coordination Meeting of the Post-Disaster PRR Task Force Steering Committee at the Office of the Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK), Jakarta, on Monday (6/4/2026).
He explained that recovery indicators include government functions, road and bridge infrastructure, health and education services, and community economic activities.
Additionally, the fulfilment of basic needs such as electricity, clean water, and communication networks also shows fairly good progress.
“We see that Sumbar is relatively the fastest. Of 19 regencies/cities, 16 were affected, and in 13 areas, government and (community) activities are running relatively smoothly,” Tito said in a written statement received by Kompas.com on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
He added that most areas in Sumut also show significant progress, although there are still some regions that require special attention.
Meanwhile, in Aceh, several areas are approaching normal conditions. However, some regions like Aceh Tamiang still need intensive handling.
In handling displaced persons, Tito assured that progress is going well, including the construction of temporary housing (huntara) and plans for permanent housing (huntap).
He emphasised the importance of accelerating huntap construction so that people do not stay in huntara for too long.
“Huntap is the most important priority. Then, very urgent matters, like bridges and roads (must be handled immediately because) they are indeed main roads,” he stressed.
Tito also appreciated the synergy of various parties in accelerating recovery, including the quick response from the Ministry of Public Works (PU) in handling road access disruptions.
The former Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri) mentioned that the government estimates the overall recovery process will take up to three years.
“The problem is vast and complex. Therefore, the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has prepared a master plan (renduk) for a three-year period,” he explained.
For information, the coordination meeting was also attended by Coordinating Minister (Menko) for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Suharyanto, as well as representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.