“Road access in Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues is the lifeblood of the local economy,” Aceh Regional Secretary M. Nasir said on Saturday.
He emphasized that the government is committed to repairing key infrastructure points to ensure the smooth distribution of logistics and fuel.
“If goods can flow freely and supplies remain sufficient, the local economy will continue to recover. That is why restoring connectivity is urgently needed,” Nasir remarked.
Priority projects include reopening blocked routes and repairing vital links such as the bridge connecting Bireuen and Bener Meriah, as well as the Simpang KKA–Bener Meriah road.
The government is also working to restore access along the Pameu–Central Aceh, Nagan Raya–Central Aceh, and Central Aceh–Gayo Lues corridors to revive mobility between highland districts.
Beyond road repairs, Nasir highlighted the need to relocate disaster-affected residents to safer areas.
He urged the Central Aceh District Government to verify data on damaged homes and suggested repurposing timber debris from floods and landslides for rebuilding bridges and houses.
Central Aceh District Head Haili Yoga reported that the economy is beginning to rebound as road access between districts improves.
However, he noted that several villages remain isolated, requiring logistical aid to be delivered by air.
Aceh is among three provinces in Sumatra—alongside North Sumatra and West Sumatra—hit by recent floods and landslides.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 28, the disasters claimed 1,138 lives, with 511 fatalities recorded in Aceh.
BNPB data also show that around 171,000 houses were damaged across 52 districts and cities, with Aceh accounting for the majority at 133,600 units.
Translator: M Ifdhal, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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