The State Ensures Rehabilitation of Healthcare Workers’ and Residents’ Homes Following the Sumatra Disaster
JAKARTA – The government has ensured that the rehabilitation of housing for healthcare workers and residents affected by the disaster in several areas of Sumatra continues as part of comprehensive post-disaster recovery efforts. This commitment is demonstrated through synergy across ministries and agencies, with a focus on restoring healthcare services and ensuring housing for medical personnel on the front lines of public service.
Netty Prasetiyani Aher, a member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), assessed that this policy reflects the state’s support for health workers who continue to work in the midst of an emergency situation.
“The recovery of health services cannot be separated from the condition of the healthcare workers. When healthcare workers are still living in evacuation centers, it’s certainly difficult for them to work optimally,” said Netty.
He added that the government’s commitment to overseeing the rehabilitation of approximately 3,265 healthcare workers’ homes is a strong signal of the state’s presence. Therefore, the government’s move to prioritize the rehabilitation of healthcare workers’ homes is commendable.
“This shows that the state is present not only when the public needs medical services, but also when healthcare workers need protection and reassurance for their families,” he explained.
Netty also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in the data collection, verification, and aid distribution processes. She stated that inter-agency coordination is key to ensuring a swift and targeted recovery, especially ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
“Healthcare workers who recover physically and psychologically will be able to provide better services. This is an investment in the resilience of the national health system,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the government is targeting all health services in disaster-affected areas in Sumatra to be 100 percent operational by March 2026.
“Our next target is to achieve 100 percent recovery by March. So, we’ve already recorded all hospitals and community health centers, including their shortages,” Budi said during a working meeting with Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the Parliament Complex, Senayan.
He explained that several healthcare facilities still need supporting equipment due to flood damage, such as thousands of beds and ambulances. To address this, the Ministry of Health is partnering with various automotive companies to repair damaged ambulances and is also accepting public donations to purchase medical equipment such as x-rays.
“Healthcare workers must serve the community. If they themselves are still struggling to manage their own homes, how can they perform their duties effectively?” Budi said.
Through a comprehensive approach encompassing housing rehabilitation, health services, and public administration, the government is expected to ensure post-disaster recovery in Sumatra is fair, rapid, and sustainable. (*/rls)
