Gov’t Speeds up Construction of Temporary Housing, Permanent Housing to Help Affected Residents Recovered

Cabinet Secretary delivers a press statement at the Integrated Disaster Management Command Post, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Friday (12/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

The Government continues to accelerate emergency response handling, rehabilitation, and post-disaster reconstruction in provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, particularly in the housing sector for affected residents. This progress was conveyed in a press statement, held at the Integrated Disaster Management Command Post, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Friday (12/19).

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said that several regencies and cities have declared emergency transition status, while other regions are extending their emergency response status according to the disaster management needs in each region.

“A number of regencies/cities have declared emergency transition status, although several other regions are extending the emergency response status according to the disaster management needs in each regency/city,” Pratikno told the media in a press statement.

In addition, the construction of temporary housing and permanent housing has begun in various locations. This process includes data collection of beneficiaries, land preparation, and initial construction, carried out through collaboration among ministries, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and other relevant parties.

In Aceh province, Pratikno reported that housing management continues in progress. Lhokseumawe city has been designated for the permanent housing scheme, while Pidie regency has begun construction of several temporary housing units with a target of completion as soon as possible. All regencies and cities in Aceh are also being encouraged to speed up the construction of temporary and permanent housings.

“The construction of temporary and permanent housings in all regencies/cities are also expedited,” Pratikno said.

Meanwhile, in North Sumatra province, Sibolga city has been set for direct construction of permanent housing. Several locations have been available, and the construction process has begun, with a target of completion as soon as possible.

In West Sumatra province, construction of temporary housing is underway in several regencies and cities, including regencies of Pesisir Selatan, Padang Pariaman, and Agam. This construction is targeted for completion in the next few weeks to accelerate the recovery of the affected communities.

“So, this will also quickly restore people’s lives. The accelerated housing construction keeps continuing, while supporting infrastructure is also prepared,” said Pratikno.

He also emphasized that the permanent housing is built by the Government, so it does not become a burden on affected residents. During an emergency response, the Government will build temporary housing if permanent housing cannot be immediately realized.

“Permanent housing is built entirely by the Government. For the time being, during the emergency response period, if permanent housing cannot be provided immediately, we will build temporary housing. However, if permanent housing can be provided immediately, we will build permanent housing. This will not become a burden on affected residents. This housing will be built by the Government or perhaps by donations from other parties,” Pratikno said.

Concluding his statement, Pratikno emphasized that this disaster handling reflects the strength of the Indonesian solidarity. The Government is committed to continuing to work hard to ensure a swift and better recovery for the Sumatra region.

“This is our collective power, a synergistic collaboration within the Government and with communities across the nation. We are striving to ensure Sumatra can recover quickly, rise up more resilient, and thrive alongside sustainable environment,” Pratikno concluded. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)