The construction of permanent housing (huntap) for victims affected by the Sumatra disaster is targeted for completion within the next 1 to 1.5 years. The government acknowledges that sufficient time is required to finalize these crucial housing projects.
“We are targeting the infrastructure, especially the permanent housing, to be completed within one year, with a maximum of one and a half years, because it certainly requires time,” stated Amran, Spokesperson for the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in Sumatra. He made these remarks during a press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, May 6.
Amran elaborated that the construction of permanent housing differs significantly from emergency temporary housing (huntara), which addresses immediate needs. He stressed that building permanent dwellings necessitates a longer timeframe to ensure their quality and durability as lasting homes for the affected communities. “This permanent housing truly involves a somewhat lengthy process because, to guarantee the quality of the living spaces and their status as permanent residences, we cannot rush completion in the short term, unlike temporary shelters,” Amran explained.
Consequently, Amran emphasized that the immediate priority in Sumatra’s disaster recovery efforts is the completion of temporary housing for the victims. He affirmed that the displaced individuals are currently accommodated in these shelters, and the process is underway for them to transition to permanent homes based on data established by each respective local government.
Despite the extended timeline required for quality assurance, Amran confirmed that efforts would be intensified to complete the permanent housing construction as swiftly as possible, while consistently upholding rigorous quality standards. He reiterated, “The development of this permanent housing is being pushed for the fastest possible completion, naturally ensuring that quality stages are maintained. This implementation cannot be rushed due to the various stages required to guarantee the quality being processed.”
As of May 4, 2026, the overall progress for permanent housing construction across the three affected provinces stands at 4.2 percent. Out of a planned total of 39,501 units, 1,661 units are currently under construction, with 248 units already completed. Specifically in Aceh, where 29,076 units of permanent housing are planned, 802 units are in progress, and 104 units have been completed, representing approximately 2.8 percent of the total. In North Sumatra, from a planned 7,601 units, construction progress has reached 407 units, with 120 units finalized, equivalent to 5.3 percent. Lastly, in West Sumatra, out of 2,824 planned units, 434 units are under construction, and 24 units have been completed, accounting for approximately 15.36 percent of the target.
Summary
The Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in Sumatra aims to complete permanent housing (huntap) for disaster victims within 1 to 1.5 years. This extended timeline is necessary to ensure the quality and durability of the permanent dwellings, distinguishing them from immediate temporary shelters. While permanent housing construction is expedited, quality standards will be rigorously maintained throughout the process.
Currently, victims are accommodated in temporary housing, with a transition to permanent homes underway based on local government data. As of May 4, 2026, overall permanent housing construction across the three affected provinces stands at 4.2 percent, with 248 units completed out of 39,501 planned. Specific progress varies, with Aceh at 2.8 percent, North Sumatra at 5.3 percent, and West Sumatra showing the highest completion rate at 15.36 percent.