Tapanuli Utara Receives Additional Rp 74 Billion for Disaster Recovery; Regent Vows Funds for Community, Not Meetings

The Tapanuli Utara Regency in North Sumatra is set to receive a significant boost for post-disaster recovery efforts with an additional Rp 74.35 billion in regional transfer funds for the 2026 fiscal year. The primary focus of this allocation will be the rehabilitation of infrastructure, with Rp 43.16 billion, or about 60 percent of the total, earmarked for this purpose.

Regent Jonius Taripar Parsaoran Hutabarat has firmly stated that these funds will be dedicated exclusively to addressing the impacts of the disasters. "I assure you here that there will be no use for meetings, paying honoraria, and other things besides the recovery from disaster impacts; everything is for the real benefit of the community," Jonius declared during an assistance meeting on the management of the additional funds.

The need for this additional funding stems from the severe damage caused by hydro-meteorological disasters, including floods and landslides, that struck the region in November 2025. The estimated total losses from these events reached Rp 665 billion. The disasters resulted in 772 damaged houses, 58 damaged road sections, 18 broken bridges, 76 damaged irrigation networks, and 1,391 hectares of damaged agricultural land. Tragically, 34 people lost their lives, and over 14,000 residents were affected.

While the situation has improved, significant infrastructure repair remains critical. The allocation for transportation access is a priority, as many roads are still obstructed by landslides, hindering the mobility of residents and the distribution of agricultural products. The local government is also addressing damaged residential areas through community efforts and is continuing the rehabilitation of damaged houses with government stimulus aid.

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I assure you here that there will be no use for meetings, paying honoraria, and other things besides the recovery from disaster impacts; everything is for the real benefit of the community.