Task Force PRR: Accelerate Sumatra's recovery through inter-regional synergy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Post-Sumatra Disaster, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has emphasised that the acceleration of recovery from the impacts of hydro-meteorological disasters in the Sumatra region continues through strengthening collaboration among local governments.

Tito stated that the central government will continue to encourage local governments to assist neighbouring regions that have been severely affected and experienced heavy damage.

“From the latest update this morning, there are already three regions that have made commitment statements to help the affected areas, namely Simalungun, Asahan, and Pematangsiantar,” Tito said in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

This was conveyed by Tito during a press conference on accelerating rehabilitation and reconstruction post-Sumatra disaster at the Presidential Staff Office, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Tito explained that this collaboration initiative emerged after an additional allocation of regional transfer funds for accelerating disaster response from the President amounting to Rp10.6 trillion.

The funds are intended for Aceh Province, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, which will then be distributed to all regencies/cities in those three provinces, including areas not directly affected.

This step is considered important to strengthen the capacity of regions with high damage levels that face budget limitations, such as Aceh Tamiang Regency.

“We hope that these heavily affected regions have additional budgets so they can work to resolve the problems,” he said.

In addition, Tito conveyed that the target for completing rehabilitation and reconstruction post-disaster in the three provinces is estimated to take up to three years.

The development focus includes providing permanent housing, building permanent infrastructure such as bridges and roads that are currently still temporary/emergency, and restoring basic service facilities.

“This process requires a non-short time, not just a few months, but can reach two to three years,” he stated.