Task Force to Push for Tamiang River Normalisation to Prevent Recurring Floods

The Task Force for Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) will oversee the proposed normalisation of the Tamiang River in Aceh as part of efforts to reduce the risk of recurring floods. The move is considered crucial for protecting infrastructure, public facilities, residential areas, and the economic activities of communities currently in recovery.

Deputy Head of the National Post for the Sumatran Post-Disaster PRR Task Force, Air Marshal Ridha Hermawan, stated that the Aceh Tamiang district government has highlighted the river’s normalisation as a priority. He confirmed that the proposal would be forwarded to the Task Force Head, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, for coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.

According to Ridha, addressing the Tamiang River requires an integrated approach, including surveying the river channel, dredging sedimentation, and repairing critical erosion points and embankments. The Ministry of Public Works’ River Engineering Centre has already conducted a survey along approximately 30 kilometres, from Marlempang and Raja villages to the estuary in Penaga Village, to compile technical data for the project.

Furthermore, the Directorate General of Water Resources and the Sumatera I River Basin Agency have inspected the river’s condition, identifying urgent embankment repairs needed to protect settlements and activities along the riverbanks.

Aceh Tamiang Regent Armia Pahmi stressed the urgency of the normalisation, noting that siltation and erosion have significantly reduced the river’s flow capacity. He warned that mitigation measures must be completed before rainfall intensity increases in upstream areas later in the year to prevent new floods from destroying recently restored infrastructure.

The regent explained that the district is currently in an emergency-to-recovery transition period until 25 August 2026. During this time, the local government is implementing transitional activities while preparing for comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction based on the Post-Disaster Master Plan. Several ministries, including Public Works, Health, Primary and Secondary Education, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, have begun executing their respective programmes under this plan. Additionally, the district has received an extra Regional Transfer fund of IDR 36.8 billion, which is being used to rehabilitate heavily damaged government offices, repaint buildings, and procure work equipment and furniture to restore public services.