Aceh question slow recovery nearly a year after devastating floods
The recovery in Aceh has lagged behind progress in other flood-affected areas, with only 58 percent of damaged bridges operational as of Oct. 6.
Aceh's recovery from devastating floods nearly a year ago has been significantly slower than in other affected regions, with only 58 percent of bridges back in operation as of October 6. The Aceh administration has expressed concerns over the sluggish pace of post-disaster reconstruction and assistance, questioning why vital infrastructure remains incomplete despite a Rp 24.2 trillion ($1.3 billion) allocation from the central government.
Aceh's administration spokesman, Nurlis Effendi, stated that many flood victims are still complaining about the slow recovery. Effendi highlighted that while Rp 24.2 trillion has been allocated for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in Aceh, numerous river embankments damaged by the floods remain unrepaired, and roads cut off by the disaster have not been restored.
Communities, such as those in the Tajuk Enang-Enang area of Bener Meriah district, have taken matters into their own hands, raising funds to repair critical infrastructure, like a bridge built by residents who spent Rp 1 billion to rebuild it. This community-funded project underscores the frustration with the slow handling of the disaster and the need for local access, which cannot wait for government assistance.
Nurlis expressed concern over the slow response, asking, "Where is the Rp 24.2 trillion allocated by the central government?"
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
