Govt strengthens coordination of post-disaster response in Sumatra

  Minister of Home Affairs and Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, continues to strengthen coordination for the rapid handling of post-disaster recovery in the region.

According to a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Tito said that coordination across ministries and agencies is being conducted to ensure that each party effectively carries out its respective duties and functions.

On Monday (Feb. 23), the task force held a Meeting on the Progress of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Aceh Province, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra at the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Jakarta.

The meeting, chaired by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, was also attended by relevant ministries and agencies.

One of the key issues discussed was ensuring that the needs of residents living in temporary shelters (huntara) are met, whether the shelters were built by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Danantara, or the Ministry of Public Works.

“For those in the temporary shelters, at the time they will be provided with a public kitchen, and their meals will be covered,” Tito said.

The task force head explained that temporary shelters are assistance provided to residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by flooding. Residents stay in these shelters while waiting for permanent housing (huntap) to be completed.

In addition to staying in temporary shelters, survivors can choose to stay with relatives or rent accommodation, with compensation provided by the government in the form of a housing waiting allowance (DTH).

The government has prepared various aid schemes for affected residents based on the level of damage to their homes: IDR 15 million for minor damage, IDR 30 million for moderate damage, and IDR 60 million for severe damage or total loss.

Tito explained that for homes that were severely damaged or destroyed, the IDR 60 million assistance will be distributed through government-led construction, either at the original site or in relocation areas.

Additionally, the government is providing furniture assistance and economic stimulus support for affected residents. Tito advised that this assistance should not only be given to those with severely damaged homes but also to those with moderate damage.

“For minor damage, it will be up to the discretion of each local government to determine whether residents need assistance in terms of furniture and economic stimulus,” he said.

The forum also discussed the management of leftover wooden debris from the floods in several affected areas. Tito said he has held discussions with the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, regarding policies for handling the debris.