Majority of Affected Areas Enter Recovery Phase, Government Accelerates Post-Disaster Recovery

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno delivers a press statement on recovery and post-disaster strategic plans at the Integrated Command Post of the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday (12/29). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

The government continues to accelerate recovery and prepare strategic post-disaster measures in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno emphasized that President Prabowo has instructed all officials to continue to mobilize all resources to accelerate post-disaster management.

“Once again, we emphasise that the President has instructed all ministries, institutions, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and local governments to continue to make every effort to accelerate post-disaster management” said Pratikno in a press statement on recovery and strategic plans for post-disaster management at the Integrated Command Post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday (12/29).

On this occasion, Pratikno, representing the government, also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in disaster management, from the community, volunteers, officials, civil servants (ASN), to field workers. “This is the main key to this mutual cooperation to restore Sumatra” he said.

Pratikno explained that more than half of the regencies/cities affected have moved from the emergency response phase to the rehabilitation transition and reconstruction phase. In Aceh, 7 regencies/cities have entered the transition phase, while 11 regencies/cities are still extending the emergency response period. In North Sumatra, 8 districts/cities have entered the transition phase and 8 others are still in emergency response status.

In West Sumatra, 10 regencies/cities have entered the transition phase and 3 regencies/cities are still in the emergency response phase. “The areas that have extended their emergency response status are doing so to ensure that they are fully prepared to enter the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase” explained Pratikno.

Regarding the restoration of basic infrastructure, the government continues to increase and expand the operation of generators, water purification vehicles, tank trucks, ready-to-use wells, emergency toilets, and communication networks that have returned to normal in 14 regencies/cities. “For areas that have not yet recovered, Starlink has been added. We are currently adding 280 units, and at the same time, the acceleration of communication network recovery continues to be carried out” said Pratikno.

In the health sector, the government continues to send health volunteers, ranging from specialists, general practitioners, to internship doctors, especially to isolated areas, with a focus on basic health services, minor surgery, and trauma recovery. Pratikno also stated that all regional public hospitals (RSUD) are now operational again, although some are not yet fully operational, and of the total 867 community health centres (puskesmas) affected, only 8 are still in the recovery phase.

Meanwhile, ahead of the start of the academic year on 5 January 2026, the government is ensuring the readiness of the education sector, despite around 3,700 schools being affected, with around 3,100 schools suffering severe damage. “Our target is to have everything completed by 4 January. However, there will still be 54 schools conducting teaching and learning activities in tents” he said.

Regarding temporary and permanent housing, Pratikno explained that as of December 28, 2025, the construction of temporary shelters in three provinces had begun and some had been completed, with a total of 1,050 units. Of these, 450 units were built by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in collaboration with local governments, while the remaining 600 units were built by Danantara and state-owned enterprises (BUMN).

Economic recovery efforts continue through the acceleration of traditional market operations. In Aceh, out of 112 affected markets, 18 are now fully operational. In North Sumatra, 46 of the 47 affected markets have resumed operations. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, 2 of 3 affected markets have begun operations.

“The government will continue to accelerate the reactivation of these traditional markets through infrastructure development, cleaning, and support from relevant ministries and agencies” concluded Pratikno. (BPMI SETPRES) (AP/LW)