KBRN, Aceh Tamiang: With the clock ticking toward Ramadan 2026, Indonesia’s state-owned construction firms are racing to complete 600 temporary homes (Huntara) for flood victims in Aceh Tamiang, transforming former palm oil land into a safe haven.

Seven state-owned construction companies (BUMN Karya) have mobilized 1,000 workers to fast-track the development of the 600 temporary housing units in Simpang Empat Upah Village, Karang Baru Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang.

“These 1,000 workers are organized into three shifts to ensure their physical endurance is maintained,” said Gunandi, Operations Director of PT Hutama Karya (HK) and project coordinator for Huntara in Aceh Tamiang, on Monday, December 29, 2025, as quoted by Antara.

The Huntara units are being built on a 5.1-hectare plot owned by PTPN 4 Regional VI Langsa, previously used as a palm oil plantation. While logistical delays and weather conditions have posed challenges, Gunandi confirmed that construction progress remains on track.

“To maximize time, we divided work into morning, afternoon, and night shifts,” he explained.

The project, initiated by Danantara and funded through Himbara’s CSR program, is being executed under tight deadlines by seven BUMN Karya companies. Gunandi expressed confidence that by year’s end, some units will be ready for handover to affected communities.

“Since starting on December 24, this is only the fifth day, and much of the energy has gone into clearing the land, which was previously filled with palm trees,” he noted.

Given the site’s low elevation and flood-prone conditions, the houses are being built on raised foundations to prevent water damage during heavy rains. Materials and equipment are being mobilized from Greater Jakarta, Medan, Langsa, and nearby sources to accelerate construction.

Each Huntara unit measures 4.5 x 4.5 square meters and uses lightweight steel for faster assembly. Floors, walls, and roofs are constructed with Galvalum, while foundations are concrete stilts. Walls are made of kalsiboard, floors of multiplex decking, and roofs of weather-resistant zinc sheets.

The housing complex will also feature shared facilities, including separate toilets and bathrooms, communal kitchens, prayer spaces, and meeting areas to foster community interaction.

To ease residents’ burden, PT PLN has installed electricity meters with free credit for several months, while BUMN Karya companies are providing free Wi-Fi.

“Access points will be installed for every five houses, ensuring strong connections. This will help children study and give parents entertainment access,” Gunandi said.

The target is for displaced residents to move into the Huntara before Ramadan 2026. “We hope these temporary homes will ease the burden of those still living in tents and gradually help them regain independence,” Gunandi added.

Meanwhile, Aceh Tamiang Deputy Regent Ismail confirmed that the local administration plans to build thousands of Huntara units across 14 sites. The first location, in Simpang Empat Upah, Karang Baru, is already under construction and will soon be completed.

“These Huntara units will be distributed to residents who lost their homes in the floods. Among the 14 sites, land has been prepared in Bukit Rata Village, Kejuruan Muda, covering four hectares, and another four hectares at PT PPP’s concession near the Military Police Office in Karang Baru,” Ismail said. ***