President Prabowo Affirms Commitment to Housing, Infrastructure Reconstruction in West Sumatra

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi in a press statement at Minangkabau International Airport, on Thursday (12/18) (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

Following a visit to three disaster-affected regencies in West Sumatra province, President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Government’s commitment to accelerating housing development and infrastructure recovery. The Government has ensured the best emergency response as well as post-disaster recovery measures to save lives and support the livelihoods of affected communities.

Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said President Prabowo personally visited evacuees who have begun receiving temporary houses in Kayu Pasak Palembayan, Agam regency. Approximately 100 temporary housing units have been constructed. The Government is also constructing tens of thousands of temporary houses across three affected provinces.

“The President visited evacuees who, starting today, have begun receiving temporary housing. Our priority in West Sumatra is housing, then relocation to permanent housing as soon as possible,” said the Minister at Minangkabau International Airport on Thursday (12/18).

According to the Minister, after visiting Agam regency, President Prabowo continued to Nagari Kayu Tanam in Padang Pariaman regency to inspect the construction of the Padang Mantuang Bailey Bridge, built by Indonesian National Defense Force with local communities. The bridge serves as a vital access route in the area, he continued.

“Approximately 35 bailey bridges across affected areas, whose construction is now being accelerated. Restoring road access is essential to recovery and must be fast-tracked,” he added.

Following his visit to Padang Pariaman, President Prabowo inspected the reconstruction of the Anai Valley area, a national road section. During the visit, the President observed heavy equipment clearing flood debris and repairing damaged road structures.

“This is a national road that the President visited and instructed to be repaired as quickly as possible, so that the main route from Padang to Bukittinggi can be reconnected,” the Minister said.

Beyond infrastructure, the Minister noted that President Prabowo is also paying close attention to environmental issues, which are considered critical for future disaster mitigation.

“There are many environmental issues that must become our homework, such as forest area management, mining permits, and permits for business activities along riverbanks. These matters are a key concern of the President, as conveyed to the governors, deputy governors, and regents,” the Minister remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/LW)