Aceh – The government ensures that the handling of the impact of the flash floods and landslides that hit several areas in Sumatra is being carried out in a well-planned and thorough manner, particularly regarding meeting the housing needs of affected communities.
The housing assistance scheme is being prepared in a structured manner to ensure the recovery process is fair, fast, and targeted in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian stated that the government has agreed on a classification of house damage levels as the basis for providing assistance. This scheme is designed to ensure assistance is provided according to actual conditions on the ground.
“We have held a meeting to address the issue of house damage, and it is clear that there are three classifications: lightly, moderately, and severely damaged houses,” said Tito.
He explained that houses categorized as lightly damaged will receive financial support of IDR 15 million, while houses with moderate damage will receive IDR 30 million.
“The main concept is that for light and moderate damage, IDR 15 million will be provided for light damage, and IDR 30 million for moderate damage,” Tito said.
Meanwhile, for severely damaged homes, the government is preparing temporary housing options with a flexible approach.
“For those that are severely damaged, temporary housing will be prepared. Some may have temporary housing prepared, while others may want to receive financial assistance or stay with their families. There are options,” Tito explained.
Tito added that housing construction is still being carried out through three main schemes. The first scheme is being carried out by the Investment Management Agency (BPI) Danantara, followed by construction carried out by the government through the Ministry of Housing and Settlements, and a mutual cooperation scheme with the private sector.
“Danantara is working on 15,000. After that, there’s the mutual cooperation concept. One of them has already helped 2,600 homes and had its groundbreaking last week,” he said.
Similarly, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono emphasized that heavily damaged homes remain a top priority. However, he believes that repairs to lightly damaged homes also need to be expedited.
“If lightly damaged houses can be repaired quickly, evacuees can return to their homes more quickly and the burden on refugee camps will be reduced,” he said.
From the perspective of emergency response towards transition, Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, stated that the government has begun disbursing Housing Waiting Funds (BTH) to affected residents.
“As of today, the disbursement of housing waiting funds has begun. Residents are visited in person, their identities are verified, and then they are given bank books for disbursement,” Abdul said.
The BNPB recorded that 3,736 accounts have been opened by Himbara banks, based on official local government data. The distribution of this aid marks the shift from disaster management to the emergency transition phase, with a focus on securing housing for affected communities.