PU Bangun Ministry 252 Houses in Tapsel After the Flood, Clean Water is a Concern

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) is building 252 residential houses for people affected by flash floods in Napa Village, Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra).

The construction of the residence was reviewed directly by Minister PU Dody Hanggodo on Friday, January 23.

The review was carried out to ensure that the development progress was in accordance with the plan, namely that it could be utilized before Ramadan, and meet the basic needs of the community.

On this occasion, Dody emphasized the importance of readiness of basic infrastructure before the residence is occupied, especially the availability of clean water.

"Housing must be ready in its entirety. Clean water should not be a problem when people start occupying," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Saturday, January 24.

At the location, the PU Ministry built 252 housing units, divided into 21 modular blocks and intended for 245 flood-affected families according to their needs.

Each modular block is equipped with residential units and communal sanitation units.

Overall, the area has 126 toilet units and 126 shower units to support the sanitation needs of residents.

In addition, the residential area is also equipped with public facilities, such as mosques, multipurpose buildings, communal kitchens, washing areas, communal rooms, guard posts, temporary disposal areas (TPS), green areas, sports fields, and parking areas.

From a technical perspective, residential houses are built using a modular structure system with a light steel frame and CNP steel.

The walls use sandwich panels, metal roof covers and GRC floors with vinyl finishing. Each unit is designed to have adequate ventilation and lighting.

Apart from providing clean water, Dody also emphasized the importance of proper sanitation facilities and environmental management systems to maintain the health and comfort of people affected by flash floods.

Meanwhile, the acceleration of the construction of residential houses in Batang Toru still pays attention to the aspects of construction safety, the feasibility of functions, and the fulfillment of basic service standards for people affected by flash floods.

On the other hand, the government estimates the budget needs for the recovery and repair of infrastructure damaged by the Sumatra flash flood to reach around Rp74 trillion.

According to Dody, the additional budget was due to the construction of a new dam in the three provinces affected by the flash floods in Sumatra.

"Actually, the proposal plan is Rp70-Rp74 trillion. However, according to the rules, we must make a master plan which we submit to the Head of Bappenas for review, then it will be approved by all the steering committees, namely BPK, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and so on, why add from Rp51 trillion? Because then, there is an addition (construction) of a new dam," said Dody in a media briefing at the PU Ministry's office, Jakarta, Friday, January 16, 2026.

Dody assessed that the construction of the dam was very necessary. Moreover, he said, landslides occurred again in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province, some time ago.

"Moreover, the landslide yesterday in Gayo Lues was a wake-up call for me to make several dams/check dams before the water or sediment/wood reached (Aceh) Tamiang," he said.

He added that his party plans to build around 70 dam sabots in the three affected provinces.

"As far as I know in West Sumatra there are 18-20 (plans to sabotage dams). In Aceh there are about 30 points. Then, in North Sumatra there are 20 (points)," he said.