Jakarta, Dec. 14 -- Restoring infrastructure damaged by disasters in Sumatra will require an estimated Rp51 trillion (more than US$3 billion), Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said on Sunday.

"The Public Works Ministry has estimated an allocation of around Rp51 trillion for rebuilding basic infrastructure, primarily roads, bridges, and clean water facilities," Yudhoyono, widely known as AHY, said.

He added that repairing basic infrastructure, particularly roads, is a top priority, as land access is critical for distributing logistics and transporting heavy equipment.

"Without transportation routes, no matter how large the logistical or humanitarian aid, it will be difficult to d...