RI Government Maps Post-Disaster Recovery Challenges Across Sumatra

Jakarta: The Indonesian government has begun mapping key challenges in flood and landslide recovery across Sumatra after Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian was appointed to lead a task force accelerating post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction, as recovery efforts enter a critical transition phase.

“The main focus at this stage is mapping the current situation. Some regions have concluded the emergency response phase, while others are extending it for another 15 days,” Karnavian said in a statement on Friday.

The assessment was conducted during a coordination meeting attended by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Deputy Head of the Task Force Lieutenant General Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon.

Karnavian said floods and landslides affected a total of 52 districts and cities across three provinces—Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra—following disasters that struck late last year.

Since the initial emergency phase, the central government has worked closely with regional administrations and other stakeholders to carry out large-scale response measures, including reopening road access, building temporary bridges, delivering health services, and ensuring the distribution of basic necessities.

Based on field monitoring and consolidated reports, most affected areas have shown significant progress. Recovery efforts are marked by the resumption of local government functions, restored connectivity along major road networks, the return of essential services such as health care and education, and the gradual revival of economic activity.

However, Karnavian noted that several areas still require focused attention. In Aceh, 11 of the 18 affected districts and cities have gradually returned to normal conditions, while seven remain priority areas for further intervention. Similar conditions persist in parts of North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

He added that nearly all national road sections in the three provinces have been reconnected, while repairs to provincial and district roads are ongoing.

The government is also accelerating the collection and verification of data on damaged homes to speed up assistance distribution and reduce the number of evacuees still living in temporary shelters.

To further hasten recovery, the task force plans to deploy additional personnel from the military, police, civil service, and universities.Two main disaster recovery command posts will be established in Jakarta and Banda Aceh to strengthen coordination and ensure sustained progress toward full rehabilitation and reconstruction.