Jakarta, Jan. 2 -- Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has established the "Kuala Task Force" to accelerate post-disaster recovery in Aceh and North Sumatra by deploying specialized vessels to restore clean water access.

The name "Kuala," which refers to a river mouth or estuary, reflects the unit's primary mission: dredging shallow, sediment-choked rivers and converting the water flow into potable supplies for disaster victims.

"The task force consists of two components," Sjamsoeddin said in a statement on Friday.

"The first will focus on deepening river mouths, while the second is directed at utilizing water resources in the affected areas."

The ministry is deploying vessels equipped with an integrated three-stage water treatment s...