Sumatra disaster recovery task force accelerates reconstruction efforts

The Post-Disaster Sumatra Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (Satgas PRR) is intensifying efforts to restore housing and infrastructure in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, acting as the Task Force head, has instructed ministries and local governments to immediately execute planned recovery programs, particularly for repairing roads, bridges, schools, and religious facilities.

To expedite the construction of permanent housing for those with severely damaged homes, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is optimizing the use of Ready-to-Use Funds (DSP). Officials are requiring local governments to complete all necessary proposal documents by August 2026 to prevent administrative delays. As of August 10, 2026, BNPB has distributed Rp748.94 billion to regional disaster management agencies in the three affected provinces, with Rp676.60 billion already transferred to affected citizens.

Beyond infrastructure, the recovery focus includes restoring agricultural land, fish ponds, and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by the disaster. The Task Force has been directed to conduct regular field monitoring to identify technical obstacles and ensure the effective use of allocated budgets from various ministries, including Public Works, Housing, Agriculture, Health, and Social Affairs.