Aceh Tamiang Regent Asks Prabowo for Housing and Cash Aid

January 3, 2026 | 12:25 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Regent of Aceh Tamiang, Armia Fahmi, presented three requests to President Prabowo Subianto during a limited meeting on the Sumatra disaster in Aceh Tamiang, Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Aceh Tamiang is among the hardest-hit regions in Aceh Province following the flash floods that swept three provinces in Sumatra in November 2025. The disaster brought all 12 districts within the regency to a complete standstill.

Data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) as of Saturday, January 3, 2026, confirms 101 deaths in Aceh Tamiang alone.

Approximately 115,000 residents remain in displacement camps. The BNPB further noted that the floods and landslides destroyed homes, places of worship, schools, health clinics, bridges, and roads, leaving the local infrastructure in ruins.

Assistance for 42,727 Housing Units

Regent Armia urged the central government to provide permanent housing for the people of Aceh Tamiang. The disaster destroyed 37,888 houses and severely damaged 4,839 others. "We request assistance, first for housing units," Armia said during the meeting. "We need 42,727 housing units."

Currently, Danantara has built 600 housing units in Aceh Tamiang to provide immediate relief. These homes feature various facilities, including playgrounds, Wi-Fi networks, 14 public kitchens, 14 prayer rooms, and 120 toilet units.

6-Month Food Assistance

Armia also appealed to Prabowo for sustained food aid for 313,245 inhabitants whose livelihoods have been cut off. Working with the National Food Agency (Bapanas), the local government has calculated the need for eggs, rice, cooking oil, and sugar for the next six months.

"We will send an official letter to the relevant minister so our needs can be met for the next six months," she said.

The Regent noted that the local economy has not yet recovered for more than a month after the disaster. She warned that the community will struggle to meet daily needs, especially with Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr approaching.

Direct Cash Assistance of Rp1 Million

Finally, Armia requested Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) for 111,520 households. She proposed a living allowance of Rp1 million per family. "If allowed, each family would receive Rp1 million for one year, Pak President. This would alleviate our burden. We ask for help with these three things. Thank you, Pak President," Armia stated.

Prabowo responded by promising that the government would calculate the specific needs of the Aceh Tamiang people. He emphasized the importance of accurate figures to ensure the aid reaches the right people. "We will integrate this with other data so the aid is on target and useful," Prabowo concluded.

Read: Prabowo Assigns New Year Tasks to Key Officials

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