Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s defence ministry has formed a special task force to speed up recovery in flood-and landslide-hit Aceh Tamiang District, focusing on river normalisation and economic recovery for communities living along riverbanks and estuaries.The task force, named Satgas Kuala, will be reinforced with around 200 personnel and led by Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces General Tandyo Budi Revita, the ministry said on Monday.The decision followed a coordination meeting in Aceh Tamiang on Sunday attended by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and senior military officials, ministry spokesman Brigadier General Rico Sirait said.“Satgas Kuala will involve around 200 personnel and be led by the deputy armed forces commander as task force chief,” Rico said.He said the task force is scheduled to begin operations in early February 2026, while naval vessels carrying equipment are expected to be deployed in the second week of January.The estuary of the Tamiang River will serve as the main operational hub, with personnel tasked with dredging and restoring waterways clogged by mud after recent disasters.Beyond clearing rivers, the task force will also process river water into clean water using purification technology to support residents who remain in affected areas.“This will ensure disaster victims can access clean water more easily during the recovery phase,” Rico said.Additional support measures include environmental administration coordinated by military headquarters and self-managed healthcare services for task force personnel during field operations.The task force will not only involve military units but also private-sector participation, with the Jhonlin Group joining as a professional support element, Rico added.The government hopes the initiative will accelerate and maximise post-disaster recovery efforts in Aceh Tamiang.On Sunday, January 4, Defence Minister Sjafrie personally chaired a preparatory coordination meeting at Tangsi Lama village hall in Seruway Subdistrict, according to an official statement.The meeting aimed to ensure the task force operates effectively in river dredging, water management, and comprehensive disaster recovery.Attendees included the deputy armed forces commander, the president’s special staff for infrastructure, the defence logistics chief, the Iskandar Muda regional military commander, and the Aceh Tamiang district head.Discussions focused on synchronising technical plans, readiness of heavy equipment, logistical support and integration of the task force with rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.Sjafrie confirmed heavy equipment deployment would begin within two weeks, allowing river and estuary normalisation to proceed alongside reconstruction.He said restoring waterways would help stabilise conditions by increasing water supply for clean water processing, supporting faster regional recovery.