RRI.CO.ID, Kualasimpang – Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is speeding up post-disaster cleanup and temporary housing construction in the aftermath of Cyclone Senyar in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh. It is expected to be completed before the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which this year falls in mid-February.

Many objects were cleaned by the ministry, including roads, houses, and the drinking water supply. Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo, set the target of completing the cleanup before Ramadan so that the Muslims there could fast comfortably.

"We are working on this day and night, as we are doing our utmost to ensure that the cleanup process is finished before Ramadan, so that the people of Aceh can fulfil their obligations during the holy month of Ramadan to the fullest," Dody stated in a briefing, as published by the ministry on Sunday, 18 January 2026.

The cleanup at a health facility in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh. (Photo:Indonesian Ministry of Public Works)

The vast majority of Acehnese are Muslims, with about 98% of the population of more than 5.6 million people adhering to Islam. The approximately same data is found within Aceh Tamiang's more than 308,000 people.

For the cleanup effort, Dody conveyed that his ministry has installed 17 shallow wells in Aceh Tamiang to supply clean water. They are being built alongside the deep wells, which are being constructed in larger numbers.

"Why aren't there more? Because these shallow wells are actually intended for non-drinking water needs, such as for washing or cleaning," he said.

Additionally, the construction of temporary shelters for more than 330 people in the village of Gampong Bundar in the district is being expedited. With progress reaching 99% as of Friday, 16 February, Dody also ensures that all residents currently staying in refugee tents can move into temporary housing before Ramadan.

"These temporary homes must be completed as soon as possible. We are all working hard so that by Ramadan, ideally, there will be no one left in the tents," he said.

Aceh is the province most affected by the flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Senyar at the end of November. As of Sunday, 560 people have died and 31 are still missing due to the disaster, while more than 113,000 people have been displaced.