Tito Reveals Latest Data on Sumatra Disaster Displaced Persons: 171 People in Aceh

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has revealed the latest data on the number of displaced persons still in temporary shelters. According to him, there are still 171 people recorded as remaining in tents.

This was stated by Tito during a press conference on updates to the acceleration of rehabilitation and reconstruction following the Sumatra disaster, at the Presidential Staff Office in Jakarta on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

On that occasion, Tito dismissed claims that the government is asserting there are no longer any displaced victims living in tents at 100%.

“The President did not state that all disaster-affected areas have no one left in tents. No. It was stated that it is approaching 100% who are not in tents,” said Tito during his presentation.

“How do we calculate it? The calculation is 171 people (displaced) currently divided by 2.1 million as of the December 2 data on displaced persons. That’s approximately 0.008%, so it can be said that 99.99% are no longer in tents. That’s why there is the phrase ‘almost approaching 100%’, so we are not claiming 100%,” he added.

From the data recorded as of March 24, 2026, which was presented, the total number of displaced persons still in tents reaches 171 individuals or 43 households, out of 2,107,941 individuals as of December 2, 2025. It is evident that all these displaced persons are in Aceh Province, with the highest numbers in Aceh Tamiang Regency and Bireuen Regency.

Meanwhile, in West Sumatra Province and North Sumatra Province, there are no longer any recorded displaced persons in tents.

According to Tito, the remaining displaced persons in those two areas are due to several issues. First, difficulties in constructing temporary housing due to the remote geographical location, namely in Sekumur Village, Sekerak Subdistrict.

In addition, in Bireuen Regency, there are still communities who refuse to stay in temporary housing.

“They want to go directly from tents to permanent housing,” said Tito.

Tito explained that the government has prepared two mechanisms to ensure no more displaced persons remain in tents: through temporary housing and housing wait funds.

Currently, many disaster victims have already utilised these facilities, either by using temporary housing or renting accommodation using the housing wait funds.

Those currently still in tents are also having temporary housing built for them, specifically in Sekumur Village, Sekerak Subdistrict, so that the community no longer has to live in tents.