Finance Ministry distributes Rp565 million in aid for NTT disaster victims
The Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has distributed aid totalling Rp565,202,500 to meet the basic needs of disaster victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
In a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, Kemenkeu said the assistance was channelled through Kemenkeu Peduli, a programme reflecting the mutual cooperation and concern of Finance Ministry employees for communities affected by disasters, as well as an effort to help meet people’s needs during the initial phase of response.
“This is only assistance from Kemenkeu Peduli, from the people of the Ministry of Finance. We are looking at what the needs are here. Later, if it comes to budget, that will be larger,” said Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa while inspecting the disaster site in NTT.
The aid distributed consisted of 380 blankets, 81 tarpaulins, 200 pieces of clothing, 4,600 kilograms of rice, 210 litres of cooking oil, and 2,740 kg of granulated sugar.
In addition, the assistance also comprised 225 boxes of milk, 150 boxes of instant noodles, 300 crates of eggs, 200 boxes of snacks, and 540 boxes of mineral water.
To support the daily needs of people in affected areas, Kemenkeu Peduli also distributed 20 boxes of coffee/tea, 20 boxes of cereal, 30 boxes of soap, 60 boxes of nappies, 61 boxes of sanitary pads, 5 boxes of toothpaste, 5 boxes of body lotion, 13 boxes of cooking spices, and 7 boxes of soy sauce.
Meanwhile, from the central government side, the Finance Minister stressed that the government will prepare state budget (APBN) support based on the needs of disaster response on the ground.
The central government has disbursed Rp44 billion for disaster response in areas affected by the earthquake in NTT.
Kemenkeu also assured the availability of budget to support the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in carrying out its disaster response duties.
“What is clear is that from the Ministry of Finance, we are preparing sufficient funds so that BNPB’s performance is not disrupted. If additional funds are needed later, we will add them. So for disasters, the budget is always our priority,” said Purbaya.
Previously, the Finance Minister stated that the government is ready to assist with disaster response financing needs in NTT by first using the BNPB budget that has already been prepared.
Although part of the approximately Rp5 trillion allocation has been used, the government has assured that disaster response needs will continue to be met according to developments in the field.