Editor’s Note
- Bobby Nasution’s response to the North Sumatra disaster receives praise
- Availability of land for permanent housing for disaster victims
- Collaboration between the central and provincial governments in accelerating post-disaster recovery
- Disaster victim stories: Loss of high ground due to flash flooding
Bobby Nasution’s response to the North Sumatra disaster receives praise
Minister of the Interior Tito Karnavian stated that the efforts of the regional government (Pemda) in North Sumatra (Sumut), coordinated by Governor Bobby Nasution, have been very effective, resulting in more effective implementation of the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction (R3P) plan.
Tito made this assessment in response to North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution’s continued commitment to disaster management and post-disaster recovery in several affected regions, particularly Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, and South Tapanuli.
These three regions were the hardest hit of the 18 regencies/cities in North Sumatra.
In response, Tito, on behalf of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, expressed his appreciation to the regional administrators who have taken several swift and efficient steps in the context of post-disaster recovery (R3P).
Providing land for permanent housing for disaster victims
One of these measures is ensuring that all evacuees are housed in temporary housing (Huntara) or other more suitable and comfortable accommodations.
“We greatly appreciate what the Governor of North Sumatra, Mr. Bobby, said about the assistance in providing land for the construction of permanent housing (Huntap) for the community. I express my gratitude on behalf of the President of the Republic of Indonesia,” Tito said on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Huntara for the communities affected by the disaster in Sumatra. The inauguration took place in the village of Simarpinggan, South Angkola District, South Tapanuli Regency, on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Tito further emphasized that the budgetary or regional transfer funds (TKD) from the central government to the three affected provinces can be used as soon as possible, in accordance with the Minister of Finance’s regulations regarding disaster recovery in Sumatra, including North Sumatra.
“Therefore, to the Governor, Mr. Bobby Nasution, since this is a provincial disaster, the TKD funds can be used as soon as possible. Next week, I will prepare the technical instructions and draft a governor’s regulation, which will be submitted to the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD). This eliminates the need for consultation and approval by the council, given that this is a disaster,” Tito explained.
Tito also explained that the use of advance funds is permitted and apologized to the members of the North Sumatra DPRD who were present on the ground.
Cooperation between the central and provincial governments in accelerating post-disaster recovery
In response, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution explained the cooperation between the provincial and district/municipal governments in disaster response, taking into account their respective roles and powers, as well as the efforts of the central government to accelerate post-disaster recovery.
The North Sumatra provincial government has also set aside a housing fund (DTH) for disaster-affected communities. However, the Tapsel regent, Mr. Gus Irawan, has requested that this aid be used to rehabilitate access roads to communities cut off by floods and landslides, the governor said.
Therefore, the governor emphasized the commitment of the North Sumatra provincial government as an extension of the central government, and the joint efforts of the province and the regents/cities to restore the situation in the communities through the R3P program.
A Disaster Victim’s Story: High Ground Lost by Flash Floods
Meanwhile, N. Dalimunthe, a resident of Tandihat living in a temporary shelter in Simarpinggan, South Angkola District, said he and other affected residents have been staying there for two weeks.
“We’ve been living here for two weeks now. Thank God there are beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and other amenities. It’s much more comfortable than in the evacuation center,” said Dalimunthe.
He, a farmer, admitted that he lost his home due to the severe damage from the flash floods. Other residents have experienced similar situations.
“Many of our vegetable gardens have also been damaged. But the hardest part now is that the road to the gardens is cut off, making it difficult for us to get there.” he said. ***obs
