Nagan Raya flood victims demand clarity on housing compensation from BNPB

Survivors of severe flooding in Nagan Raya, Aceh, are urging the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to clarify promised compensation for self-built temporary housing. Residents of Beutong Ateuh Banggalang sub-district completed their "Huntara Mandiri" (self-built temporary housing) independently but have yet to receive the promised funds.

Ismed, a flood survivor from Kuta Teungoh village, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity. He noted a disparity between government-provided shelters and the "Huntara Mandiri" that residents built themselves. "We are very sad. There are shelters made by the government, and there are permanent shelters (Mandiri). These permanent shelters were built by ourselves (Huntara Mandiri). They said they would pay, but today they haven't paid," Ismed told ANTARA.

The initial promise was financial aid proportional to the construction costs of each "Huntara Mandiri." However, no resident in the sub-district has received payment, despite an estimated 100 "Huntara Mandiri" units being built. Attempts to get answers from the local Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency (BPBD) have yielded only vague assurances like "soon, soon."

Ismed emphasized that the demand is not for charity but for the fulfillment of a commitment made by BNPB. The community seeks transparency regarding the aid, stating, "Our request is, if it will be paid, say it will be paid. If not, we won't force it. We just ask for decisiveness from the government."

While affected residents are currently occupying the temporary shelters, they await the government's fulfillment of its promise for permanent housing assistance. The head of Nagan Raya BPBD, Irfanda Rinaldi, confirmed that 110 disaster-affected households are involved.