BIREUEN — Efforts to strengthen the flood response in Bireuen Regency continued as DT Peduli intensified coordination with local authorities. On Saturday (6 December 2025), DT Peduli’s Deputy Director of Programs, Iwan Firmansyah, together with Asbah, Head of DT Peduli Aceh, met with Hanafiah, the Regional Secretary of Bireuen, at the Bireuen Pendopo.
The meeting followed earlier discussions held with Pangarso Suryotomo, Director of Preparedness at Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), in Banda Aceh on Thursday (4 December 2025). The coordination covered both short-term and long-term strategies to support recovery in disaster-affected areas.
Iwan noted that several areas in Bireuen remain under an extended emergency response status until 30 December 2025. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive recovery plan that takes into account the conditions of displaced residents.
“After visiting several locations in Bireuen, we recommend relocation for residents who lost their homes. One village lost 40 houses, and another point lost 35,” Iwan said.
He added that relocation sites must consider community access to livelihoods in order to prevent new socio-economic challenges. Local authorities are also preparing a long-term recovery plan, including the construction of permanent housing.
In the short term, Iwan highlighted that reopening access routes—particularly bridges and supply corridors for humanitarian aid—remains the most urgent priority.
“Please keep us in your prayers so that the response proceeds smoothly, Aceh can recover soon, and people can return to their daily activities,” he said.
Iwan also stressed the importance of data synchronisation with BNPB. Data collection includes mapping of shelters, the number of volunteers deployed, and aid distribution activities on the ground.
“BNPB has expressed strong confidence in the volunteers who have moved quickly into isolated areas. They appreciate the rapid response in the field,” he added.
Through an integrated dashboard and dedicated reporting channels, each institution can update information on aid distribution and operational activities. This system is considered essential to measure the effectiveness of the response and accelerate support to areas that remain underserved.
Iwan reaffirmed that cross-sector collaboration is crucial.
“The affected areas are vast, and many locations remain isolated. With strong synergy between the government, private sector, and zakat institutions, we can reach many more survivors,” he explained.
These intensified coordination efforts are expected to accelerate the recovery of communities in Bireuen and other regions in Aceh that continue to grapple with the impacts of recent disasters.
Editor: Agus ID