Government Establishes Disaster House Assistance Scheme: Slight Damage Rp15 Million, Medium Rp30 Million

The condition of the damaged house in Salareh Aia, Palembayan District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar), due to flash floods. (ANTARA-Yusrizal)

JAKARTA - The government has set a housing assistance scheme for residents affected by disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Lightly damaged houses receive Rp15 million in assistance, medium damage Rp30 million, while severely damaged houses will be built.

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said the policy was agreed upon in a cross-ministerial meeting with BNPB, BPKP, Polri and the affected local governments.

"For light and medium damage, while being cleaned, assistance will be provided immediately. The severely damaged houses will be built, starting with temporary housing," Tito said in a statement at the Halim Perdanakusumah Integrated Post, Jakarta, Monday, December 29.

Housing is still being prepared through three schemes. First, Danantara with 15,000 units which were carried out by BNPB. Second, the State Budget through the Ministry of Housing with a larger number. Third, the gotong royong scheme, including the contribution of Agung Sedayu with 2,600 units which have started construction.

In addition to the main assistance, the government has prepared additional support. BNPB has disbursed disaster funds, the Ministry of Social Affairs has provided furniture assistance worth Rp3 million, economic support of Rp5 million, and food assistance of Rp15,000 per day for three months.

Provisional data shows that 68,855 houses were slightly damaged, 37,520 were moderately damaged, and 56,108 were severely damaged in the three provinces. The total number of affected people reached 213,472.

"If the house is slightly damaged and is immediately assisted, it covers two-thirds of the damage and can reduce the number of refugees by almost 60 percent," said Tito.