Sumatra post-disaster reconstruction and mitigation

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has been overseeing reconstruction and mitigation efforts following hydrometeorological disasters in Sumatra.

In August 2026, the Vice President inspected bridge reconstruction in Aceh, specifically the Kendawi suspension bridge and the Lumut bridge. He emphasized the necessity of disaster mitigation, stating, “Normalisasi sungainya harus dikebut, kondisi alamnya begini. Normalisasi sungai itu lebih mahal dari bikin jembatan,” referring to the need for accelerated river normalization to prevent future issues.

By early September 2026, the scope of inspection expanded to North Sumatra. During a visit to Tapanuli Selatan on September 4, the Vice President inspected temporary housing in Napa Village, Batangtoru, and announced that the construction of 699 permanent housing units on 18 hectares of land is scheduled to begin this month. He apologized to residents of Garoga and Hutagodang villages for the continued reliance on temporary shelters, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to provide safe, dignified homes.

In Tapanuli Tengah, the Vice President inspected the flood-damaged GKPI Hutanabolon church, suggesting its relocation because it sits in a ‘red zone.’ He also reviewed the progress of the Garoga Bridge construction and urged the swift completion of Sabodam infrastructure to mitigate future risks.

Reconstruction is being managed by the Task Force for the Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) in coordination with 30 ministries and agencies. To manage rising material costs and support large-scale efforts, Satgas PRR is working with Danantara and state-owned enterprises to optimize the distribution and stabilize the price of essential materials like cement and steel.