Karnavian, who serves as Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, made the statement during a visit to Sahraja Village, Pante Bidari Sub-district, East Aceh Regency, Aceh.
He said improved access and appropriate housing arrangements were key to restoring the social and economic life of affected communities.
“This is one of our focuses for East Aceh. On my first and second visits, I have seen progress,” he said in a statement in Jakarta.
Karnavian explained that Sahraja Village was severely affected by flash floods, leaving no homes intact, including school buildings.
“Everything was destroyed. There were even very large logs on top of the school roof. Logs on top of houses also showed how high the floodwaters were. Everything was wiped out, and everyone was displaced. Everything was heavily damaged and lost,” he said.
The central and regional governments are working together to reopen access to affected areas, Karnavian said, adding that coordination is ongoing with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Public Works, and local authorities.
Efforts are underway to restore road access so four-wheeled vehicles can reach the area, while logistics deliveries are currently being carried out using off-road vehicles and river routes, he said.
Karnavian also highlighted the severe challenges in accessing the affected locations. To date, there are still areas in East Aceh that remain isolated due to broken road access, limiting aid deliveries to once every three days. Teams must cross rivers to reach residential areas.
He also emphasized the importance of reorganizing residents’ housing after the disaster that must be adjusted to social conditions and the wishes of local communities.
“We will provide temporary shelters, or, if residents prefer, move straight to permanent housing. Most people here do not want to live in a single large complex but want homes built on their own land, in higher areas,” he added.
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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Arie Novarina
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