RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Ministry of Public Works is now accelerating the repair of 38 river estuaries in Sumatra. This step was taken to restore water infrastructure after natural disasters.

Repairs are being carried out in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The main focus is to protect residents from the risk of flooding and sand accumulation.

Public Works Minister, Dody Hanggodo, conveyed that each estuary has different characteristics. Technical handling must be adjusted to the wave conditions and shape of the river.

“Most of the affected estuaries require the use of dredgers,” Minister Dody, as quoted by the Ministry of Public Works website on Monday, 23 February 2026. These vessels are used to dredge thick mud.

Of the total 38 estuaries, 25 of those are the responsibility of the central government. The remaining 13 estuaries are under the authority of the provincial government.

As of mid-February 2026, the average physical progress of the project has reached 35.5 percent. The government is targeting the completion of all work in October 2027.

Officials in the field use heavy equipment such as long-arm excavators and special boats. These tools serve to deepen the water channels so that the river does not overflow. In addition to dredging, the government is also building reinforcement walls on the banks of the river. This construction is important to prevent the soil from sliding into the water.