KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia will need about Rp 51 trillion to restore infrastructure damaged by recent disasters in Sumatra, said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono last Sunday.

He said the Public Works Ministry calculated that the funds are mainly needed to rebuild roads, bridges and clean water facilities.

"The Public Works Ministry has estimated an allocation of around Rp 51 trillion for rebuilding basic infrastructure, primarily roads, bridges, and clean water facilities," Yudhoyono said in a statement.

He stressed that road repairs are the top priority because land access is vital for delivering aid and moving heavy machinery.

"Without transportation routes, no matter how large the logistical or humanitarian aid, it will be difficult to distribute it quickly, when speed should be the top priority," he explained.

Yudhoyono said his office is still gathering data on houses damaged or destroyed by floods and landslides across affected areas.

He noted that about 112,000 houses were either damaged or completely lost in the disasters.

"The categories include light, moderate, and severe damage, as well as houses that were swept away or lost," he added.

The disasters displaced around 350,000 people to leave their homes, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters or staying with relatives.

He called on relevant ministries to map the damage carefully, saying repair costs differ depending on the level of destruction.

Yudhoyono said the government is restoring infrastructure and rebuilding homes through cooperation with the Indonesian Army, including the construction of emergency bridges.

"We continue to strengthen synergy and collaboration so that ministries, the military, and the police can work effectively in the field," he said.

He expressed hope that strong coordination between agencies will speed up recovery efforts and asked the public to support the government’s post-disaster work.