"Danantara has proven that it can build 600 shelters in eight days, which I think is quite good. Our focus is on how we can reduce and alleviate the suffering of the people. That is our obligation as officials and leaders," said President Prabowo after inspecting the Danantara shelters built for refugees in Aceh Tamiang Regency, Aceh Province, on Thursday.
The President then stated that Danantara's swift work was concrete evidence of the state's presence in alleviating the hardships of the refugees, most of whom were still living in refugee posts and tents.
During a closed meeting at the Danantara Shelter complex in Aceh Tamiang on Thursday afternoon, President Prabowo instructed Danantara to use simple but effective local materials to make the temporary housing comfortable for the evacuees. "The solution doesn't have to be expensive; it can be made from local materials or textiles to cover the zinc to prevent heat. This is a demonstration of the creativity of people on the ground," Prabowo told Danantara and the state-owned construction companies building the Danantara Shelter.
The President gave the instruction directly to Danantara after President Prabowo personally inspected several Danantara residential units in Aceh Tamiang. The houses built by Danantara are modular, employing lightweight steel frames, with walls likely made of GRC boards, and zinc roofs.
Generally, using zinc for roofing makes the indoor temperature hotter than using tiles. However, this heat can be reduced by installing an insulation system or by painting the roof with a special coating to reflect sunlight.
The temporary housing complex built by Danantara includes a children's play area, separate toilets and washrooms, a health clinic, and a drainage system. The housing complexes are also equipped with electricity and Wi-Fi.
In Aceh Tamiang, the Danantara Residential House was built on land managed by PTPN.
