Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is accelerating the construction of temporary housing across three disaster-hit provinces in Sumatra, aiming to provide swift shelter for tens of thousands of families displaced by floods and landslides, the Public Works Ministry said.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said the rapid rollout of temporary housing is a key part of the emergency response phase and a bridge toward longer-term recovery. The ministry is coordinating closely with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to ensure construction proceeds according to national disaster response plans.

“The development of temporary shelters is being carried out under BNPB’s direction. Currently, priority locations include Aceh Tamiang and Bener Meriah, where land readiness has been confirmed and coordination with local leaders is ongoing,” Dody said during an online coordination meeting of the Post-Disaster Recovery Task Force for Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra on Tuesday.

Through its Directorate General of Strategic Infrastructure, the ministry is fast-tracking construction in synergy with state-owned construction firms to meet basic needs during the recovery period. As of December 28, 2025, official data showed 47,149 houses were severely damaged across the three provinces.

Of that total, 29,542 homes, or about 62.7 percent, are being addressed through the construction of temporary housing, while 17,057 units are covered under the Temporary Housing Allowance scheme, known locally as Dana Tunggu Hunian.

Aceh has borne the brunt of the damage, with 38,169 houses recorded as severely damaged. The government is building 28,236 temporary units, roughly 74 percent of the total, while 9,996 households are receiving housing allowance support.

In Aceh Tamiang, construction has entered its main phase on land within the local council complex and the regent’s office area. One block of 12 modular units has completed its structural frame, with roofing and wall panels underway.

Foundations for a second block are finished, and work has begun on a third. Seven blocks designed to house 336 people are expected to be completed by January 2026.

In North Sumatra, 876 of 6,322 damaged houses are being handled through temporary housing, while most others receive allowance support. West Sumatra has planned 430 temporary units for its 2,658 severely damaged homes.

All temporary shelters are equipped with communal kitchens, washing areas, prayer rooms and sanitation facilities, and use modular systems to allow faster, safer construction and immediate occupancy.

Related news: RI Govt offers cash aid to flood, landslide victims in Sumatra

Related news: RI Govt accelerates post-disaster recovery in Sumatra despite holidays



Translator: Aji Cakti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025