Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman announced the government will pay farmers through a labor-intensive scheme to rehabilitate rice fields damaged by disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The program aims to safeguard national food production, with costs covered by the central government. Total damage spans 98,002 hectares, targeting completion of light to medium damage within three months.
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the government will directly involve farmers in restoring disaster-affected rice fields through a labor-intensive scheme. "Through this scheme, farmers not only restore agricultural land but also earn income during the recovery process," Amran said in his statement on January 17, 2026.
The total damaged rice fields from natural disasters in the three provinces reach 98,002 hectares. Aceh is hardest hit with 54,233 hectares across 21 regencies/cities, followed by North Sumatra with 37,318 hectares in 15 regencies/cities, and West Sumatra with 6,451 hectares in 14 regencies/cities. Light to medium damage covers 69,240 hectares, consisting of 48,969 hectares light and 20,271 hectares medium, detailed as Aceh 32,652 hectares, North Sumatra 32,964 hectares, and West Sumatra 3,624 hectares.
In Aceh alone, about 10,000 hectares will be rehabilitated, requiring 200,000 person-days of work (HOK) paid daily. Farmers work on their own lands, while seeds, soil processing, and irrigation repairs are covered by the central government. "So our brothers have income, while seeds are provided free, soil processing, irrigation repairs all assisted by the center. This is a direct order from Mr. President," Amran emphasized.
The government targets completing light to medium damage within a maximum of three months, from January to February 2026, with an initial rehabilitation area of 13,708 hectares. For broader context, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo estimates overall infrastructure recovery will take 2-3 years, though the initial priority is reopening access to isolated areas. This program ensures farmers receive sufficient daily income for family needs during the process.
