Bandung City Government Hands Over Rp2.03 Billion in Aid for NTT Earthquake Victims
The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has handed over humanitarian aid amounting to Rp2,032,736,809 for victims of the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT).
The aid was collected from the generosity of the people of Bandung and channelled through the Bandung City National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) for distribution by Baznas of the Republic of Indonesia.
The aid handover took place at Bandung City Hall on Monday (31/8). The aid was handed over directly by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan to the Chairman of Baznas RI, Sodik Mudjahid.
Farhan expressed his appreciation to all parties who had participated in the mutual cooperation effort to raise the aid. The assistance represents the concern of Bandung residents for communities affected by the disaster.
“This is a mandate to be handed over in the form of aid for earthquake victims in NTT from the people of Bandung through Baznas Kota Bandung, to be given directly to Baznas RI,” he said.
He stated that although the value of the aid is not yet commensurate with the needs arising from the disaster, the spirit of mutual cooperation that has emerged is expected to serve as a catalyst for the public to continue increasing their concern through zakat, infak, and sedekah.
“Indeed, the amount compared to the scale of the disaster is not much, but hopefully this will trigger a wave of zakat, infak and sedekah from the people of Bandung to help our brothers and sisters in NTT through Baznas,” he asserted.
Farhan also expressed appreciation for the support of Bank bjb, which contributed through CSR funds. Collaboration between the government, zakat institutions, the business community, and the public is an important strength in responding to humanitarian issues.
The aid is a form of solidarity from the people of Bandung towards communities facing difficult times due to the disaster.
“We hope that the collaboration that has been established between the Bandung City Government, Baznas Kota Bandung, Baznas RI, Bank bjb, the business community, and the public can continue to be strengthened so that social concern does not stop at a single disaster event. May what we are doing now bring blessings and benefits,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Baznas RI Sodik Mudjahid appreciated the Bandung City Government’s decision to channel aid through Baznas’ institutional channels. This approach allows aid distribution to be carried out in a coordinated manner according to the needs of victims on the ground.
Sodik explained that Baznas RI has been active since the beginning of the disaster in NTT. Baznas teams were sent to the location to provide emergency response assistance, ranging from the provision of tents, food and basic necessities, health services, clean water, to special attention for women and children.
For the post-disaster phase, Baznas RI has also prepared a number of programmes. These include the renovation of public facilities, assistance with school equipment such as desks, books and bags, scholarships, and business support for affected communities.