By: Malik Abdullah )*
 
The government’s swift response to disasters in several regions of Sumatra strongly affirms the state’s presence when communities face the most difficult situations. Disaster management in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra was not only carried out during the emergency response phase, but was directed from the outset toward measured, planned, and sustainable recovery. This approach demonstrates a shift in disaster management patterns that is more systematic, based on fiscal preparedness, and favors the recovery of the lives of affected residents.
 
On numerous occasions, President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that the government has sufficient budgetary capacity to finance post-disaster management and recovery. This budget availability stems from the policy of efficient state financial management implemented since early 2025. This efficiency is not merely administrative savings, but rather a strategy to strengthen fiscal resilience so that the state has the space to respond quickly when facing emergencies, including large-scale natural disasters.
 
 
This affirmation is crucial amidst the extensive damage to infrastructure and settlements in the affected areas. The government believes that the principle of efficiency is not a short-term populist policy, but rather a constitutional mandate that emphasizes managing the national economy equitably and oriented towards the prosperity of the people. With efficiency, budget leakage can be reduced, opportunities for misuse can be narrowed, and public funds can be truly allocated to the most pressing needs, such as post-disaster recovery.
 
The government’s seriousness is also reflected in the comprehensive calculation of recovery needs. The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, stated that the estimated recovery costs in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra reached IDR 51.82 trillion. This figure reflects the extensive scale of damage, ranging from tens of thousands of homes to strategic public facilities such as roads, bridges, schools, places of worship, hospitals, community health centers, as well as the agricultural and livestock sectors that are the mainstay of the local economy.
 
In Aceh alone, the recovery budget is estimated to reach more than IDR 25 trillion, as tens of thousands of homes were damaged at varying levels. This data serves as the basis for the government to develop recovery measures that are not patchwork, but rather aim for comprehensive improvements so that people’s quality of life can return to, and even improve, pre-disaster levels.
This policy direction was emphasized through a direct order to accelerate the construction of temporary and permanent housing. President Prabowo Subianto instructed all cabinet officials to ensure that housing construction proceeds without bureaucratic obstacles, with clear timelines. The physical construction of housing is prioritized, in line with meeting the basic needs of evacuees so that the recovery process is humane and dignified.
This directive was reinforced by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, who emphasized that disaster management must proceed in parallel, integrating housing construction with the fulfillment of basic needs, such as clean water, sanitation, health services, and logistics. This parallel approach is considered crucial to prevent affected communities from being trapped for too long in an emergency situation that could potentially lead to further social problems.
At the operational level, the government is deploying additional heavy equipment, strengthening clean water distribution, and providing portable toilets in the worst-affected areas. This step demonstrates attention to sanitation and environmental health, which are often major challenges after a disaster. The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, also explained that the construction of temporary housing will involve elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to expedite the project. The Type 36 housing model will cost approximately IDR 30 million per unit and is targeted for completion within six months.
In addition to housing construction, the government is preparing a relocation scheme for residents living in vulnerable areas that are no longer habitable. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that inventoried state land will be used as relocation sites, allowing for expedited relocation without land acquisition issues. This scheme also serves as a long-term mitigation measure to minimize the risk of similar disasters.
In the context of rehabilitating damaged houses, the government has approved a renovation budget of up to IDR 60 million per unit, with calculations adjusted for inflation and rising material prices. This policy demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring that affected communities do not have to bear additional burdens in rebuilding their lives. ¬†
Overall these steps reflect the country’s approachg decisive, swift, and coordinated in handling the disaster in Sumatra. With strong fiscal support, cross-agency coordination, and leadership that emphasizes concrete action, the government demonstrated that disaster management is not merely an emergency response, but rather a long-term humanitarian and development investment to ensure communities can recover more resiliently.
 
Ultimately, the accelerated disaster response in Sumatra demonstrates the government’s policy direction, which is not reactive, but rather anticipatory and oriented towards comprehensive recovery. The state’s presence does not stop with the initial distribution of aid, but continues through the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases, ensuring that affected communities can return to decent, safe, and productive lives. This policy consistency also strengthens public trust that every rupiah of the state budget is managed for the benefit of the people, especially in crisis situations.
 
)* The author is a Strategic Issues Observer
