Task Force Head Urges Local Governments to Expedite Census of Disaster Victims for Permanent Housing

The Head of the Task Force (Satgas) for Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Following Sumatra Disasters, Tito Karnavian, has urged regional governments (pemda) to accelerate data collection of residents who will occupy permanent housing units (huntap) for disaster victims.

This was conveyed by Tito whilst attending a social assistance distribution activity for disaster-affected communities in Idi Rayeuk, East Aceh Regency, Aceh, on Monday (16 March 2026).

He stated that accelerating data collection is necessary so that the central government can soon begin construction of permanent houses for affected communities.

“All regional heads are raising the same issue, requesting that permanent housing be built quickly. But the data must be clear first,” Tito said in a written statement received by Kompas.com.

Tito explained that the in-situ scheme means houses are rebuilt on land owned by residents. Under this scheme, residents can choose to have homes built by the government or build them themselves with financial assistance of approximately 60 million rupiah.

“We ask residents: do you want to live in situ with housing built by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), or do you want to build it yourself with an allocation of 60 million rupiah? However, the land must be your own property,” said Tito.

Meanwhile, the communal scheme places residents in newly constructed residential areas developed in a single complex by the government.

For this scheme, local governments are requested to prepare land that can be used as a construction site, whether from local government assets, central government assets, state-owned enterprises (BUMN), or through the purchase of community land at fair prices.

He emphasised that residents’ choices must be recorded clearly through forms and accompanied by statements so that the central government can determine the permanent housing development pattern.

“The faster we have data on who wants in-situ housing and who chooses the complex option, the easier it will be for us to coordinate permanent housing construction,” said Tito.

He also reminded local governments to actively conduct data collection in the field and not simply wait for direction from the central government.

“If there is no data, what will be built? Communities are already demanding that permanent housing be constructed for them, but the local governments are not taking action,” Tito added.