Enviro News Asia, Aceh — The Ministry of Forestry continues to optimize the use of driftwood to accelerate the construction of temporary shelters for flood-affected residents in North Aceh and North Sumatra, marking the 43rd day of post-disaster response since 2 December 2025.
Head of the Gunung Leuser National Park Authority (BBTNGL), Subhan, stated that driftwood utilization has supported the construction of 14 temporary housing units. Three units have already been occupied by residents of Geudumbak Village, while 11 others remain under construction.
Subhan explained that the collected driftwood is directly allocated for community housing to ensure faster and more efficient post-disaster recovery.
In Langkahan District, North Aceh Regency, the Ministry of Forestry deployed 70 personnel supported by 38 heavy equipment units to sort and clear driftwood from residential areas. As of 12 January 2026, field measurements recorded 938 driftwood logs with a total volume of 1,506.08 cubic meters ready for use as building materials.
In North Sumatra, Head of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) of North Sumatra, Novita Kusuma Wardani, said that driftwood management in Garoga, Huta Godang, and Aek Ngadol areas also focuses on supporting temporary and permanent housing construction. By 12 January 2026, processed timber reached 1,504 pieces with a total volume of 21.37 cubic meters, of which 1,200 pieces had been transported to the temporary housing site in Batu Hula Village, Batang Toru District.
In addition to housing construction, part of the driftwood has been utilized for public kitchens and the development of nine community self-built houses in Tolang Julu and Tolang Jae villages. All utilization is conducted under agreements with local governments and strictly prohibited from commercial use.
The integrated post-disaster response forms part of the Ministry of Forestry’s commitment to ensure that driftwood, categorized as state property, is managed legally, safely, and for the direct benefit of disaster-affected communities. (*)
