Disaster-Affected Regions Urged to Swiftly Realise Additional TKD Funds

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, in his capacity as Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, has reminded affected regions to promptly realise additional Transfer to the Regions (TKD) funds and regional grants. Tito stated that the additional TKD must be utilised optimally, with affected areas prioritising recovery, especially the repair of damaged infrastructure. Regions not directly affected may use the budget to strengthen disaster mitigation. “For those not affected, please use it in the context of disaster anticipation. The scope is broad. I have given very wide latitude for its use. It can be used to build, strengthen roads, strengthen bridges, strengthen infrastructure in disaster-prone areas,” Tito said in a statement. He made these remarks while chairing a virtual coordination meeting on the acceleration of financial aid realisation for the Sumatera region from the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Jakarta on Wednesday. This step is crucial as disaster management in Sumatera has entered the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. Previously, under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto, the central government disbursed additional TKD amounting to Rp10.64 trillion to provinces, regencies, and cities in Aceh, North Sumatera, and West Sumatera. The additional TKD was provided to both directly and indirectly affected regions. On the occasion, Tito also appreciated several regional governments that received additional TKD but provided grants to affected regions still requiring support, such as the Medan City Government, Deli Serdang Regency Government, Padang City Government, and South Solok Regency Government. According to data from the Sumatera PRR Task Force, almost all of these grants have been transferred to the recipient accounts. However, Tito expressed regret that one grant remains unrealised, namely the grant from Labuhan Batu Regency to Gayo Lues Regency. “Only one remains, from Labuhan Batu to Gayo Lues. After we checked where the problem lies, it turned out to be on the Gayo Lues side,” he said. Tito therefore urged 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 warn of potential sanctions if the issue is not resolved promptly. “This appeal is solely because of the mandate and duty given by the President to me as Head of the Task Force for the Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatera, and also as Minister of Home Affairs, the supervisor and overseer of regional governance. There is no personal interest whatsoever, other than duty and humanity,” he concluded.