President Prabowo Affirms Gov’t’s Seriousness in Handling Disasters, Openness to Public Aid

President Prabowo Subianto gives instructions at the limited cabinet meeting held at the construction site of Danantara housing units in Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province, Thursday (1/1). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Prabowo Subianto firmly stated that the Indonesian Government handled the impacts of the disaster in three provinces in a serious, comprehensive, and measured manner, despite its decision to not declare it as a national disaster. The Head of State explained that the decision is based on the consideration that the state has the ability to seriously handle the disaster impacts.

“We, as a nation, as a state, has the ability to handle it without declaring it as a national disaster, but it does not mean that we do not consider it as a very serious matter,” President Prabowo said when leading a limited cabinet meeting with some ministers and related officials after inspecting Danantara housing units in Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province, Thursday (1/1).

President Prabowo emphasized that the Government has prepared a large budget and mobilized all cabinet elements to carry out on-site work. He mentioned that post-disaster handling is conducted in parallel in all affected areas.

“In fact, some of the cabinet ministers are here, two ministers are in North Aceh regency, 10 ministers are in Aceh right now, some other ministers are in other areas. Meanwhile, we are currently facing some problems in numerous regencies in some provinces,” the President added.

President Prabowo also stated that the Government is open to aid coming from the people, communities, or diasporas, as long as the aid distribution is carried out through clear, transparent, and accountable mechanism. He explained that those who want to provide aid are encouraged to submit it officially, so the Government can distribute it effectively

“To those who want to provide aid, please do. Send a letter stating that you want to give donations, we will then report it to the Central Government,” the President said.

The President also encouraged diasporas and regional communities to participate in supporting post-disaster recovery efforts. However, he reminded that all aid must be submitted sincerely and subject to the existing procedures.

“We do not refuse donations. However, they must be managed through clear mechanisms and procedures, and given sincerely,” he stated.

In his directives, President Prabowo also emphasized the importance of accelerating basic services recovery for the affected people. The President also stated that all measures taken by the Government are directed to ease the people’s burden and to ensure their life’s recovery.

“I also tell you to pay attention to schools, community health centers (Puskesmas), and hospitals, so they can be operational immediately,” President Prabowo said.

The working visit and limited meeting carried out by President Prabowo in the first day of 2026 have shown the Government’s commitment to be present and work for the people, even in a national holiday period. The President needed to ensure that all post-disaster management and recovery processes are carried out according to the plans and meet the essential needs of the people. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/TM)