DPR Urges Accelerated Execution of Rp529 Billion Budget for Sumatra Health Facilities

Jakarta (ANTARA) — Member of House of Representatives Commission IX Netty Prasetiyani has called on the government to accelerate the realisation of a Rp529.3 billion budget prepared for the recovery of post-disaster health facilities in Sumatra.

“We welcome the government’s commitment through the Minister of Health and the Minister of Finance, who have prepared a budget to repair approximately 3,000 health facilities. This represents the state’s presence that the people of Sumatra have been eagerly awaiting. However, the key point is the acceleration of execution so that the target of 100 per cent functionality by March 2026 can be achieved on time,” Netty said in Jakarta on Friday.

According to her, cross-ministerial coordination is crucial to ensuring budget realisation is not hampered by administrative procedures. She said synergy between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) must run smoothly to ensure the verification, disbursement, and construction processes are carried out effectively.

Beyond the recovery of approximately 3,000 health facilities, Netty also highlighted plans to renovate 8,800 homes belonging to healthcare workers affected by the disaster. She assessed that repairing healthcare workers’ housing is no less important than rehabilitating health service buildings.

“Our healthcare workers are fighters on the front line. It is very important for them to have decent and safe housing before Eid al-Fitr arrives. If their homes have been repaired, they can work with peace of mind and focus on serving the community without having to worry about the condition of their damaged homes,” she said.

According to Netty, the mental and physical wellbeing of healthcare workers determines the quality of services in disaster-affected areas. With decent housing, she said, medical personnel can carry out their duties without the additional burden of unrepaired living conditions.

Regarding the mechanism for fund disbursement through the Disaster Task Force, she reminded authorities that the principles of accountability and transparency must be maintained without slowing down procedures.

“Given that the funds available at the Ministry of Finance are still sufficient, there should no longer be any administrative obstacles delaying the rights of the public and medical personnel,” she said.

Netty expressed hope that with the acceleration of budget realisation and solid coordination, all affected health facilities can return to full operation in line with the target. In doing so, communities would receive decent and sustainable healthcare services in the aftermath of the disaster.