Ministry adds two excavators to restore disaster-hit Aceh road

hartono · Feb 1, 2026

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An excavator is transported to an area cut off by floods and landslides through Gajah Village, Gayo Lues District, Aceh, on Sunday (Feb. 1, 2026). The government has instructed state-run construction firm Hutama Karya to deploy additional heavy equipment to restore land access in the district. ANTARA FOTO/Raisan Al Farisi

Gayo Lues, Aceh (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works has deployed two additional excavators to accelerate land access restoration along the road linking Gayo Lues and East Aceh districts, which was affected by floods and landslides in Aceh Province.

Based on ANTARA’s observation in Gajah Village, Pining Sub-district, Gayo Lues, on Sunday, two trucks carrying heavy equipment were seen approaching Pining Village, located about 40 minutes from the district center.

Reports indicate that access to the road leading to the region has been partially restored, though landslide debris such as soil and large rocks remains scattered across several points along the route.

Several sections of the road are still buried or swept away by the disasters, which also struck various areas in Aceh as well as the neighboring provinces of North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

In response, the government has been working with the military, volunteers, local residents, and other stakeholders to create alternative paths while pushing for full reconstruction.

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has assured the public that his ministry continues efforts to accelerate the recovery of transport infrastructure and restore regional connectivity following the major floods and landslides.

"Our top priority is to reopen road access to enable the safe distribution of aid and equipment," he affirmed.

Hanggodo added that the Ministry of Public Works remains committed to mobilizing heavy equipment and personnel while maintaining close coordination with local authorities, particularly regional disaster mitigation agencies.

He explained that such a comprehensive approach is essential to support effective disaster response.

Ministry data show that landslides and floods have affected 35 national road sections and damaged 14 bridges across Aceh.

Emergency and restoration efforts have included filling collapsed roads, installing gabions and geotextiles, erecting retaining walls, covering landslide debris with tarpaulins, backfilling, and soil compaction.