Restoration of Basic Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sumatra Continues, Infrastructure Gradually Recovers After the Disaster
Jakarta — The government is accelerating the restoration of basic services and infrastructure in West Sumatra and North Sumatra following the floods to ensure an effective transition from the emergency response phase to rehabilitation and reconstruction. This effort aims to restore government operations while reviving economic activity in affected communities.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno emphasized that the recovery of disaster-affected areas is a top priority for both central and regional governments. He stated that initial coordination has focused on accelerating data collection to ensure accurate cross-sector recovery planning.
“This initial coordination is focused on accelerating data collection as the basis for cross-sector recovery planning. Priority areas include infrastructure restoration, construction of housing for affected communities, recovery of the local economy, as well as basic services in health, education, and socio-religious sectors,” Pratikno said.
As conditions improve in several affected areas, the government aims not only to restore regional functions to their pre-disaster state, but also to build more resilient infrastructure. The reactivation of local government services is considered crucial to supporting the recovery of public services and economic activities.
In line with this, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian stressed the importance of normalizing local government operations during the rehabilitation transition phase. According to him, recovery will be optimal once administrative functions return to normal and community economic activities resume.
“For me, there are two key aspects of recovery. First, government offices must operate normally. Second, the economy must function, marked by community buying and selling activities. Therefore, we will accelerate the restoration of local government services,” Tito said.
Tito also explained that personnel deployment is being carried out in stages. “Today, 413 personnel are deployed; tomorrow, 414 personnel will enter the second stage; then the third stage will involve 179 personnel. In addition, 132 personnel are already on site as an advance team, bringing the total to 1,138 personnel,” he said.
According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the impact of the disaster on village governance has been significant. A total of 22 villages were reported to have been lost, while 1,580 village offices across three provinces were unable to function normally. Of these, 93 village offices are located in North Sumatra and 32 in West Sumatra.
The government views the restoration of basic services and the normalization of village governance as a critical foundation for strengthening regional resilience after the disaster. Through cross-ministerial synergy and close coordination with regional governments, the government is optimistic that the rehabilitation and reconstruction process can proceed more swiftly, in a well-directed manner, and sustainably.
