Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia has officially handed over driftwood collected after recent hydrometeorological disasters to local governments to support the accelerated construction of temporary shelters (huntara) and post-disaster recovery efforts, marking Day 45 of the national emergency response since December 2, 2025.
In Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, a total of 1,173 driftwood logs with a combined volume of 2,112.11 cubic meters were formally transferred to the North Aceh Regency Government and received directly by the Regent of North Aceh. Of this amount, approximately 60.77 tons, or around 87 cubic meters, have been processed and utilized as construction material for temporary shelters. The handover was documented through an official handover report and witnessed by local government representatives and security authorities.
Head of Gunung Leuser National Park Authority Subhan stated that the transfer ensures the responsible and transparent use of driftwood for public benefit.
“The driftwood has been handed over to local governments to ensure it is used exclusively for temporary shelters and public facilities and not misused,” Subhan said.
As of January 14, 2026, the utilization of driftwood in North Aceh has supported the construction of 21 temporary housing units. Three units are currently occupied by residents of Geudumbak Village, 15 units remain under construction, and three units are in the final completion stage. Field operations are supported by 52 Ministry of Forestry personnel and 40 units of heavy equipment deployed jointly by the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
Meanwhile, in North Sumatra Province, Head of North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency Novita Kusuma Wardani confirmed that a similar driftwood handover has taken place in South Tapanuli Regency. The first phase involved 329.24 cubic meters of driftwood, which has been utilized as flooring material for temporary shelters in Batu Hula Village.
“The use of driftwood is strictly prohibited for commercial purposes and is fully designated for post-disaster recovery,” Novita emphasized.
By January 14, 2026, a total of 1,415 processed driftwood pieces, equivalent to 19.18 cubic meters, have been utilized in South Tapanuli, supporting the construction of 59 temporary housing units and two places of worship, out of a planned total of 245 temporary shelters. The North Sumatra Driftwood Utilization Task Force continues to accelerate processing and oversight in accordance with the Ministerial Decree No. 863 of 2025 and the Governor of North Sumatra Decree No. 51 of 2026 to ensure a swift, orderly, and sustainable recovery process. (*)
