Accelerating Disaster Response, President Prabowo Prioritizes Aid for Isolated Areas

President Prabowo Subianto after inspecting an evacuation center at Pandan Sports Hall in Central Tapanuli regency and engaging with affected residents on Monday (12/01) (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the Government is prioritizing the acceleration of aid delivery for affected residents, particularly in areas that remain isolated. The President conveyed this statement after inspecting an evacuation center at the Pandan Sports Hall (GOR Pandan) in Central Tapanuli regency and interacting with displaced residents.

“We are now prioritizing how we can immediately deliver the necessary assistance. First, fuel, which is critically important. I believe electricity can soon be restored in all areas. As reported to me, fuel remains urgently needed, especially in several isolated villages. Insha Allah, we will be able to reach them,” the President stated in his remarks at Raja Sisingamangaraja XII Airport, North Tapanuli regency, Monday (12/01).

In his statement, the Head of State also expressed his appreciation to all government elements and institutions that have acted swiftly in the emergency response. The President noted that the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and other relevant agencies have responded swiftly since the onset of the disaster.

“I conveyed my appreciation and gratitude to all institutions that have worked with great dedication. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency responded quite swiftly, the TNI responded very quickly, and the Polri also responded quickly,” he said.

To expedite the distribution of assistance, various air assets have been deployed, ranging from helicopters to heavy transport aircraft such as the Hercules. The Head of State affirmed that all necessary resources will continue to be mobilized to accelerate the disaster response efforts.

“Insha Allah, with good teamwork and cooperation, we will be able to confront this disaster promptly and deliver solutions to the challenges currently faced by our people,” he continued.

On that occasion, the President also noted that improving weather conditions have helped accelerate on-site response efforts. Furthermore, the President underscored the importance of government preparedness in addressing the increasingly evident impacts of climate change.

“We must address climate change responsibly. The Government must function effectively to safeguard the environment and anticipate future conditions. All regions must be prepared,” he asserted. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (AY/MMB)