Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who heads the Sumatra Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force, recently delivered vital aid to survivors of hydrometeorological disasters in Sekumur Village, Sekerak District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh. The impactful distribution took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, marking a crucial step in the region’s recovery efforts following devastating events.
The extensive aid package was meticulously designed to address various immediate needs. It comprised 276 sets of worship essentials, 276 packages of basic necessities, 276 kitchenware sets, and five large water storage tanks (toren), each with a substantial capacity of 2000 liters. This comprehensive support aims to expedite the recovery process and provide fundamental social and economic provisions for the affected residents of Sekumur Village.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Tito emphasized that the aid distribution in Sekumur Village extends beyond mere post-disaster assistance. He underscored it as a dedicated effort to directly engage with survivors and gain a profound understanding of their long-term, sustainable living requirements. This approach ensures that relief efforts are not just immediate but also forward-looking.
During his visit, Tito actively engaged with the community, listening intently to the aspirations of disaster survivors. They urgently requested the construction of clean water facilities, specifically boreholes, and the swift establishment of permanent housing. Notably, a significant number of residents expressed a preference for communal permanent housing, a practical solution given that most survivors reside in areas highly susceptible to flooding from overflowing rivers.
Tito voiced a strong commitment to prevent the survivors in Sekumur Village from enduring prolonged hardship in the aftermath of the disaster. He noted that the village had experienced a considerable period of isolation, with essential access roads rendered impassable by landslides and mud. These severe conditions were a direct consequence of the hydrometeorological disaster that struck Aceh Tamiang in late November of the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for robust reconstruction.
Upon his return from Aceh Tamiang, Tito affirmed his immediate plans to coordinate with Maruarar Sirait, the Minister of Housing and Residential Areas (PKP). Their discussion will focus on strategizing the construction of permanent housing in Sekumur Village. This crucial step is part of a wider government commitment to rebuild and restore stability to the affected communities.
In a related effort, Tito also committed to promptly engage with PT Perkebunan Semadam, a plantation company located near Sekumur Village. He intends to request that they allocate a portion of their Right to Cultivate (HGU) land to facilitate the establishment of permanent housing for the displaced residents. “Once the land issue is clear, it simply needs to be prepared by the district through land clearing, and then Minister PKP Maruarar Sirait will oversee the construction. He has consistently requested the necessary data from me,” Tito stated after concluding the aid distribution.
To ensure continuity of support, Tito confirmed that until the permanent housing units are fully completed, disaster survivors will receive a daily meal allowance of Rp15,000 per person. This provision is set to last for three months, offering essential sustenance during the transition period. The scheme is carefully aligned with the estimated permanent housing construction target, which typically spans three to four months, though largely dependent on the promptness and completeness of data provided by local government authorities.
“Once the data is submitted to the PKP Ministry, they will swiftly conduct a survey and commence construction. This process could take approximately three to four months, consistent with our experiences in other regions, such as South Tapanuli (Tapsel) which took three months, Sibolga four months, and Central Tapanuli also targeted for four months,” Tito elaborated, providing context from previous projects.
It is important to note that Muhammad Tito Karnavian’s visit to Aceh Tamiang, as the Head of the Sumatra Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force, was part of a broader agenda. This included the deployment of the third wave of IPDN (Institute of Domestic Governance) cadets, alongside a comprehensive review of the ongoing post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction progress in Aceh Tamiang.
The significant occasion was attended by several high-ranking officials, underscoring the collaborative effort in disaster recovery. Among those present were Safrizal ZA, Director General of Regional Administration Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs; Halilul Khairi, Rector of IPDN; Fadhlullah, Deputy Governor of Aceh; Armia Pahmi, Regent of Aceh Tamiang; and various members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) from across Aceh Tamiang Regency.
Summary
Muhammad Tito Karnavian, Head of the Sumatra Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction