Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, serving as the Chairman of the Task Force for Accelerated Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) in Sumatra, announced significant positive strides in the recovery of flood-affected regions across Sumatra Island. As of May 24, 2026, the majority of areas impacted across three key provinces have steadily returned to normalcy, signaling a robust and coordinated recovery effort.
Minister Karnavian underscored that this commendable progress is the culmination of diligent collaborative work between the central government and local authorities, spanning from the initial emergency response phase through the urgent relief efforts, and now into the critical transition period towards comprehensive recovery. A key milestone achieved is the complete relocation of all displaced persons, who have transitioned from temporary tents to more stable temporary housing (huntara) or are utilizing the Housing Wait Funds (DTH), ensuring their immediate housing needs are met.
Delving into specific provincial updates, Minister Karnavian noted the encouraging recovery in West Sumatra. Out of 16 affected regencies/cities, 13, representing 80 percent, have already returned to normal operations. While Tanah Datar is nearing full recovery, particular attention and intensified support are still required for the regencies of Agam and Padang Pariaman to complete their rehabilitation journey, as highlighted during the Coordination Meeting for Accelerated Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra held at the Widya Chandra Residence in Jakarta on Sunday, May 24.
Similarly, North Sumatra Province demonstrates remarkable progress. Among 19 affected regencies/cities, 16 have successfully resumed normal functions. South Tapanuli is on the cusp of full recovery, yet Central Tapanuli and North Tapanuli remain areas where concentrated efforts are still critically needed to ensure a complete return to normalcy for their communities.
Further to the west, in Aceh Province, 10 out of 18 affected regencies/cities have regained stability. Gayo Lues is also progressing well, approaching its pre-disaster state. However, seven regencies continue to demand dedicated attention and resources to accelerate their recovery: Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, North Aceh, Bireuen, Pidie Jaya, Central Aceh, and Bener Meriah.
Minister Karnavian elaborated that the assessment of regional conditions is meticulously carried out based on a comprehensive set of vital indicators. These include the smooth functioning of local governance, the provision of healthcare services, the continuity of educational activities, the restoration of land access (currently functional, not yet permanent), the revival of economic sectors, the operational status of places of worship, and the availability of essential basic services such as gas stations, clean water supply (PDAM), and internet connectivity, which are crucial for community well-being and economic restart.
Crucially, Minister Karnavian reiterated the paramount importance of sustained budgetary support to expedite the recovery process in disaster-stricken areas. He emphasized that financial assistance from both the central and local governments is indispensable for effective rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, including addressing the ongoing and often complex residual needs within these regions. He advocated for maintaining or even increasing Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) for these areas, recognizing the significant long-term challenges they face.
The high-level coordination meeting was a testament to the government’s commitment, bringing together key figures including Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, to collectively chart the path forward for Sumatra’s enduring recovery.
Summary
Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian announced significant positive strides in Sumatra’s post-disaster recovery, with most flood-affected regions returning to normalcy as of May 24, 2026. This progress is attributed to strong collaboration between central and local governments, highlighted by the complete relocation of displaced persons to temporary housing or through Housing Wait Funds. The recovery efforts are well underway across West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh provinces.
While the majority of areas in these provinces have stabilized, specific regencies like Agam, Padang Pariaman, Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, and several in Aceh still require intensified support for full rehabilitation. Minister Karnavian emphasized the critical importance of sustained budgetary assistance from both central and local governments. He advocated for maintaining or increasing Regional Transfer Funds to effectively address ongoing reconstruction and residual needs in these disaster-stricken areas.