Tito Affirms Acceleration of Permanent Housing and Bridge Construction During Iftar in Pidie Jaya
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as Head of the Post-Disaster Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force for Sumatra, has affirmed that accelerating infrastructure development and the provision of permanent housing are the top priorities in the recovery of disaster-affected residents in Pidie Jaya Regency.
According to Tito, expediting permanent housing construction is essential so that residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed can promptly secure certainty of shelter. He explained that the construction process involves local governments, particularly in ensuring the validity of aid recipient data.
"The permanent housing process involves the local government, and I will certainly chase up all the regents and the governor to ensure the data is prepared," Tito stated in a written statement on Sunday (22/2/2026).
The remarks were made during an iftar gathering with the Pidie Jaya community at the Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) Hall in Pidie Jaya, Aceh, on Saturday (21/2).
He further emphasised that the accuracy and completeness of data from local governments is the key factor in accelerating permanent housing construction.
"The key for permanent housing — because the Regent said, 'Please build permanent housing as quickly as possible' — the number one factor in the speed of building permanent housing is data from the local government. Each resident must be asked individually," he explained.
Beyond housing, Tito also highlighted the acceleration of infrastructure development, particularly connecting bridges damaged by the disaster. He revealed that he had coordinated with the Public Works Minister regarding the construction of a permanent two-lane bridge to facilitate residents' mobility and logistics distribution.
The route is a strategic corridor linking Medan to Banda Aceh and is frequently used by large lorries, necessitating robust and reliable construction.
"I contacted the Public Works Minister earlier, as well as Public Works officials. The Public Works Minister told me — just half an hour ago we were in contact — that he will build a permanent bridge next to the temporary bridge that collapsed," he disclosed.
On another front, he acknowledged that several issues remain, including homes affected by mudslides and approximately 1,500 hectares of rice paddies that have yet to recover. The government is also considering long-term measures including the construction of sabo dams and strengthening of embankments to mitigate the risk of subsequent flooding.
Through cross-ministerial coordination and local government support, Tito expressed hope that the acceleration of infrastructure and permanent housing construction would proceed effectively, ensuring a comprehensive recovery in Aceh, particularly Pidie Jaya, and providing certainty for affected communities.
Following the iftar gathering, Tito distributed aid to the community in the form of worship supplies and clothing, including headscarves, trousers, shirts, jackets, and vests. The event continued with the performance of Tarawih prayers together with local residents.
According to Tito, expediting permanent housing construction is essential so that residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed can promptly secure certainty of shelter. He explained that the construction process involves local governments, particularly in ensuring the validity of aid recipient data.
"The permanent housing process involves the local government, and I will certainly chase up all the regents and the governor to ensure the data is prepared," Tito stated in a written statement on Sunday (22/2/2026).
The remarks were made during an iftar gathering with the Pidie Jaya community at the Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur'an (MTQ) Hall in Pidie Jaya, Aceh, on Saturday (21/2).
He further emphasised that the accuracy and completeness of data from local governments is the key factor in accelerating permanent housing construction.
"The key for permanent housing — because the Regent said, 'Please build permanent housing as quickly as possible' — the number one factor in the speed of building permanent housing is data from the local government. Each resident must be asked individually," he explained.
Beyond housing, Tito also highlighted the acceleration of infrastructure development, particularly connecting bridges damaged by the disaster. He revealed that he had coordinated with the Public Works Minister regarding the construction of a permanent two-lane bridge to facilitate residents' mobility and logistics distribution.
The route is a strategic corridor linking Medan to Banda Aceh and is frequently used by large lorries, necessitating robust and reliable construction.
"I contacted the Public Works Minister earlier, as well as Public Works officials. The Public Works Minister told me — just half an hour ago we were in contact — that he will build a permanent bridge next to the temporary bridge that collapsed," he disclosed.
On another front, he acknowledged that several issues remain, including homes affected by mudslides and approximately 1,500 hectares of rice paddies that have yet to recover. The government is also considering long-term measures including the construction of sabo dams and strengthening of embankments to mitigate the risk of subsequent flooding.
Through cross-ministerial coordination and local government support, Tito expressed hope that the acceleration of infrastructure and permanent housing construction would proceed effectively, ensuring a comprehensive recovery in Aceh, particularly Pidie Jaya, and providing certainty for affected communities.
Following the iftar gathering, Tito distributed aid to the community in the form of worship supplies and clothing, including headscarves, trousers, shirts, jackets, and vests. The event continued with the performance of Tarawih prayers together with local residents.