Disaster-Affected Regions Urged to Swiftly Realise Additional TKD Funds
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as the Head of the Sumatra Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force, has reminded disaster-affected regions to accelerate the realisation of additional Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) and regional grants.
Tito stated that the additional TKD must be utilised optimally and immediately. Affected regions are requested to prioritise recovery, particularly the repair of damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, regions not directly affected may use the budget to strengthen disaster mitigation.
“For those not affected, please use it for disaster anticipation. The scope is very broad. I am providing a very wide opportunity for its use. Yes, it can be used to build and strengthen roads, bridges, and infrastructure in disaster-prone areas,” Tito said in his statement.
He conveyed this while leading a Virtual Coordination Meeting on the Acceleration of Financial Assistance Realisation to Sumatra Regions from the Ministry of Home Affairs Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday. This step is crucial as disaster management in Sumatra has entered the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.
Previously, under the direction of President Prabowo Sublecanto, the central government distributed an additional TKD of Rp10.64 trillion to provinces, regencies, and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. This additional TKD was provided to regions both directly and indirectly affected by disasters.
On this occasion, Tito also expressed his appreciation to several local governments that received additional TKD but provided grants to affected regions that still require support. These include the Medan City Government, Deli Serdang Regency Government, Padang City Government, and South Solok Regency Government.
According to data from the Sumatra PRR Task Force, almost all grant assistance has been transferred to the recipients’ accounts. However, Tito noted with regret that one grant remains unrealised, specifically the grant from Labuhan Batu Regency to Gayo Lues Regency.
“Only one remains, which is from Labuhan Batu to Gayo Lues. After we checked where the problem lies, it turns out the issue is in Gayo Lues,” he said.
Consequently, Tito reminded the Gayo Lues Regency Government to immediately complete the necessary administrative requirements so that the grant funds can be used for post-disaster recovery. He did not hesitate to threaten sanctions if the issue is not resolved promptly.
“This appeal is solely because of the mandate and task given by the President to me as the Head of the Sumatra Disaster Region Rehab-Recon Acceleration Task Force, and also as the Minister of Home Affairs, the supervisor and overseer of local government. There are no personal interests involved, other than duty and humanity,” he added.