Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia has begun mapping key challenges in handling floods and landslides across Sumatra after Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian was appointed to lead a task force accelerating post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction, as recovery efforts enter a critical transition phase.
“The main point is that we are mapping the current situation. Some regions have ended the emergency response phase, while others are still extending the response for the next 15 days,” Karnavian said in a statement on Friday.
The assessment was conducted during a coordination meeting involving Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Task Force Deputy Head Lieutenant General Richard Taruli Horja Tampubolon.
Karnavian said a total of 52 districts and cities across three provinces — Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra — were affected by the disasters that struck late last year.
Since the outset, the central government has worked with regional administrations and other stakeholders to mount a large-scale emergency response, including reopening road access, constructing temporary bridges, providing health services and ensuring the delivery of basic necessities.
Based on field monitoring and consolidation of reports, most affected areas have made significant progress. Recovery has been marked by the resumption of local government functions, restored connectivity on main roads, the return of basic services such as health care and education, and the gradual revival of economic activity.
However, Karnavian noted that several areas still require focused attention. In Aceh, 11 of the 18 affected districts and cities have gradually returned to normal conditions, while seven remain priorities for further handling. Similar patterns are seen in parts of North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
He added that almost all national road sections in the three provinces have been reconnected, while repairs to provincial and district roads are continuing.
The government is also accelerating the collection and verification of data on damaged homes to speed up assistance distribution and reduce the number of evacuees still living in temporary shelters.
To further hasten recovery, the task force plans to deploy additional personnel from the military, police, civil service and universities.
Two main disaster recovery command posts will be established in Jakarta and Banda Aceh to strengthen coordination and ensure sustained progress toward full rehabilitation and reconstruction.
