Government Ensures Fast Distribution of Social Assistance and Logistics for Disaster Victims in Sumatra

Press statement on recovery and post-disaster strategic plans at the Integrated Command Post, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Monday (12/29). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

The Government has ensured that the delivery of assistance and the distribution of logistics for communities affected by disasters in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are proceeding swiftly and in a well-measured manner. Vice Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono stated that the total value of emergency disaster response assistance distributed across the Sumatra region has reached Rp100,484,346,880.

“The total value of emergency disaster response assistance for Sumatra that has been distributed amounts to Rp100,484,346,880, in the form of side dishes, family kits, children’s clothing, and food supplies for 42 public kitchens,” said Agus Jabo during a press briefing on recovery and post-disaster strategic plans at the Integrated Command Post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday (12/29).

He detailed that the assistance consisted of Rp43,606,958,300 for Aceh Province, Rp19,418,596,580 for West Sumatra Province, and Rp37,458,792,000 for North Sumatra Province. In addition, the government has also disbursed compensation to the heirs of deceased victims amounting to Rp15 million per person to 86 beneficiaries, with a total value of Rp1,290,000,000.

Agus Jabo emphasized that any victim data that has been verified by regents, mayors, and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will be immediately followed up for the disbursement process. “Every data that has been verified by the regent, the mayor, and BNPB will immediately be followed up with the disbursement process for compensation for deceased victims,” he said.

In addition to emergency response assistance, the Government has also prepared post-disaster aid ready for distribution, including cash assistance of Rp3,000,000 per family for household furnishings for recipients of temporary or permanent housing, additional food assistance of Rp450,000 per person per month for three months, as well as post-disaster economic empowerment support in the form of cash assistance worth Rp5,000,000 per family based on assessment results.

Meanwhile, Head of the BNPB Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Abdul Muhari stated that logistics distribution over the past month has reached 1,526 tons, with the distribution rate reaching 97 percent. At the Iskandar Muda Command Post in Aceh, the logistics distribution rate was recorded at 80.93 percent, while in North Sumatra distribution at the Silangit Command Post reached 98.2 percent and at the Kualanamu Command Post 72.4 percent, and in West Sumatra it reached 93.5 percent.

“Our standard operating procedures do not allow any goods to remain undelivered for more than 2×24 hours. Everything must be distributed immediately. That is why our distribution rate at every command post is above 80 percent,” emphasized Abdul Muhari.

Regarding temporary housing allowance funds, Abdul Muhari explained that a total of 16,264 households have been recorded by name and address and validated with population data from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Funds of Rp600,000 per household per month will be distributed using a proactive outreach mechanism through state-owned banks (Himbara).

“The disbursement of Rp600,000 per household per month will be carried out proactively, so the community does not need to queue at banks,” he explained, adding that recipient accounts have already been opened and the first phase of disbursement will be carried out soon, while data collection for next phase continues. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/LW)