Dasco Requests Dispensation for Acehnese Diaspora Disaster Aid to Enter Immediately
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has pushed for disaster relief aid from Acehnese citizens residing in Malaysia to be allowed into Indonesia swiftly, without being held up by bureaucratic processes. Dasco called on the government to open access for the aid shipment.
He made the remarks during a joint meeting with the government to discuss post-disaster management in Sumatra, held at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18 February 2026). Dasco initially questioned which authority was responsible for the aid being held up.
“I understand there is an issue with aid from Acehnese residents in Malaysia — whose authority is it now to allow these goods in, Minister of Home Affairs? So we can get a quick decision here,” said Dasco.
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said the authority lies with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance. Tito detailed that the aid comprises 3,000 litres of cooking oil worth Rp 1 billion, sugar worth approximately Rp 50 million, and mineral water valued at Rp 672 million.
“There are 5,000 boxes of ready-to-eat meals worth Rp 1 billion. The largest item is new clothing — 3,000 sacks worth Rp 126 billion — Qurans valued at Rp 1 billion, and toilet fixtures worth Rp 4.8 billion,” said Tito.
“They are requesting that these be shipped to the port of Lhokseumawe from Port Klang. The goods are already at Port Klang. We have sent a letter to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Ministry of Finance. The key issue is that for the cooking oil and sugar, we need a letter from the relevant technical ministry, namely the Minister of Agriculture, to determine whether these items may be imported,” he added.
Dasco assessed that a one-off shipment should not pose a problem and asked the Ministry of Agriculture to help facilitate access for the aid.
“This is just a one-time shipment, isn’t it? Donations from Acehnese residents living in Malaysia. I think the Minister of Agriculture wouldn’t object, given the quantities aren’t that large. Minister of Agriculture?” said Dasco.
Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, who was present at the meeting, said rice is a highly sensitive commodity and should preferably not be shipped. Dasco clarified that there was no rice included in the aid.
“Our suggestion is, if possible, rice is very sensitive,” said Andi.
“There’s no rice, Minister — only cooking oil and a small amount of sugar,” Dasco replied.
However, Andi proposed that the aid be converted to cash instead. He explained that his ministry is currently exporting cooking oil on a large scale to several countries.
“If it’s still possible, our suggestion — since we are also exporting cooking oil on a massive scale to several countries — is that it be converted to cash. But if it must come in, I think very strict oversight would be needed,” said Andi.
Ultimately, Dasco concluded that since the shipment would only occur once and was humanitarian in nature, the government could grant a dispensation. He asked the State Secretary Minister and the Minister of Finance to coordinate with the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to expedite the permit process.
“These goods have already been purchased, they’re ready to be shipped, and it’s only a one-time delivery. I think we can grant a dispensation since it’s just once, rather than having to go through the hassle of converting it to cash and purchasing again,” said Dasco.
“The State Secretary Minister and the Minister of Finance can coordinate with the Director General of Customs and Excise. We have heard from the Minister of Agriculture, and since this is a one-time donation and the volume is not disruptive, I think, Minister of Home Affairs, we can get this realised as soon as possible so these goods can enter under strict supervision and go directly to the evacuation centres in time for the fasting month and Eid al-Fitr,” he added.