Bireuen/Tribuneindonesia.com
Bireuen Regency has become the first district in Aceh Province to commence the construction of permanent housing for survivors of flash floods and landslides following last year’s disaster. The initiative is widely regarded as a concrete and measurable acceleration of humanitarian recovery for affected communities.
The permanent housing project was officially launched with a groundbreaking ceremony led by the Regent of Bireuen, H. Mukhlis, ST, in Bale Panah Village, Juli Subdistrict, on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. The programme is intended for residents who lost their homes as a result of the flash floods and landslides that struck the area on 26 November 2025.
In addition to housing development, the Bireuen Regency Government has also distributed Living Allowance Assistance (Dana Tunjangan Hidup – DTH) to disaster survivors as initial support during the transitional recovery period.
The Chairman of Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas, Arizal Mahdi, described the move by the Bireuen Regency Government as a strategic decision that demonstrates tangible commitment to disaster-affected communities.
According to Arizal, while many regions remain focused on data collection and policy discussions, Bireuen has taken a decisive step forward by directly entering the permanent housing construction phase.
“This is a concrete step that deserves appreciation. Bireuen has shown that post-disaster recovery cannot rely on statements alone, but must be realised through real action. The construction of permanent housing provides certainty and renewed hope for survivors,” Arizal Mahdi said.
He also emphasised the importance of consistency and strict oversight throughout the construction process to ensure that the houses are genuinely safe, habitable, and sustainable for the community.
Meanwhile, the Head of Bale Panah Village, Muntazar, confirmed that 98 permanent housing units will be built in the area. He expressed hope that the construction process would proceed smoothly, enabling residents to leave temporary shelters as soon as possible.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives of the subdistrict and regency leadership (Muspika and Muspida), officials from BNPB Aceh, as well as senior representatives of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), Bireuen Branch.
With the commencement of permanent housing construction, the Bireuen Regency Government hopes that post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts will progress more rapidly and serve as a model for people-centred disaster management across Aceh.(mahdi)
