The Government Has Prepared A Housing Assistance Scheme For Victims Of The Aceh Sumatra Flood

JAKARTA - The government ensures that the houses damaged by floods and landslides in various areas of Sumatra and Aceh will be replaced or repaired through assistance schemes that have been specially prepared. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that housing recovery is a top priority in handling disasters this time.

Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt. Gen. Dr. Suharyanto, explained that the government has prepared three categories of assistance based on the level of damage to houses, namely mild, moderate, and severe.

The affected houses have several categories and the scheme has been prepared each. This is a direct direction from Mr. President Prabowo Subianto. For the benefit of the people, all must really be prioritized," said Suharyanto, Monday, December 1.

The government sets the amount of assistance as follows:

1. Minor damage: IDR 15 million in cash assistance to repair minor damage, such as cracked walls or leaking roofs. 2. Moderate damage: Assistance of IDR 30 million for renovations that require improvement of foundations, walls, and important installations. 3. Heavy damage: The house will be replaced with new housing built by the government.

"If the house is heavily damaged and it is no longer possible to live in, the government will replace it with a new house," said Suharyanto.

In addition to repairing houses, BNPB has prepared residential waiting funds (DTH) for refugees who have to leave the refugee camps, but do not yet have a temporary residence.

"This residential waiting fund is used for housing rental costs. The value is Rp. 600,000 per family per month, and is fully supported by the central government through BNPB," explained Suharyanto.

For residents who do not have a rented house or close relatives, the government prepares temporary proper housing, which can be occupied for years before permanent housing is completed.

"It is impossible for residents to stay in a tent for months. Therefore, the government will build a decent temporary residence," he added.

He emphasized that all of these schemes will be carried out after road access and communication is recovered. Several areas are still isolated so that the government's initial focus remains on opening routes, providing logistics, and recovering communication networks.

According to Suharyanto, many residents are still confused about the future of their homes. Therefore, the government wants to provide certainty from the start.

"After access is opened, people often ask, 'Where should I go after this?' That's why we explained that there is an aid scheme that has been prepared," he said.