7,643 disaster victims in East Aceh receive economic stimulus assistance
Banda Aceh — A total of 7,643 families affected by hydrometeorological disasters in East Aceh Regency have received economic stimulus assistance of Rp5 million each from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The assistance was symbolically handed over by Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf in East Aceh on Monday.
In addition, compensation for heirs of those who died in the hydrometeorological disaster totalling Rp900 million has been provided to 60 beneficiaries, whilst compensation for those seriously injured in the disaster totalling Rp10 million has been provided to two beneficiaries.
Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that besides this assistance, the government is also distributing housing repair aid valued at Rp60 million.
“The assistance provided is for post-disaster recovery. Recovery is not only about infrastructure or housing, but also about restoring the economy of hydrometeorological disaster victims in East Aceh Regency,” he said.
The Minister stated that the assistance distribution is being carried out through PT Pos rather than banking channels. This is because distribution through PT Pos can be faster and not all assistance recipients have bank accounts.
“There are several distribution methods: first, assistance recipients can visit the Post Office. Second, PT Pos staff visit residents gathered in a particular location, and third, specifically for the elderly and persons with disabilities, PT Pos staff visit recipients directly,” he said.
For this reason, the Social Minister reminded assistance recipients to use the economic stimulus funds, housing repair aid, and other assistance in accordance with their intended purposes.
Regarding assistance recipients, the Minister stated that the beneficiary data comprises disaster victims who have been verified in the field. This verified data is based on proposals from the East Aceh Regency Government.
“Alhamdulillah, the East Aceh Regency Government continues to work towards providing accurate and verified data. Of course, the data provided is dynamic and can increase. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs distributes assistance based on data that has already been verified,” said Saifullah Yusuf.