Head of Task Force for Sumatra Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Delivers Phase II Social Assistance to Disaster Victims

The Head of the Task Force (Kasatgas) for Acceleration of Post-Disaster Sumatra Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR), Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who also serves as Minister of Home Affairs, together with Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, delivered phase II social assistance to disaster victims in Aceh Province, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

The total phase II assistance delivered reached Rp136.902 billion. The assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs comprised Housing Completion Support (BIH) of Rp31.47 billion, Socio-Economic Stimulus Assistance (BSSE) of Rp52.45 billion, and Livelihood Guarantee (Jadup) of Rp52.982 billion.

The assistance handover ceremony was held in hybrid format from the East Aceh Regent’s Office on Monday (16 March). The assistance is part of the government’s efforts to accelerate the recovery of disaster-affected communities, with distribution through PT Pos Indonesia.

Tito stated that the government has provided various forms of assistance to accelerate recovery, including support for residents whose homes suffered light, moderate, or severe damage. The government has also increased Regional Transfer Funds (TKD) to all affected areas in the three provinces with a total of Rp10.6 trillion.

He emphasised that the government will continue to undertake various recovery efforts in the affected areas. “As we undertake improvements and other efforts across all sectors,” Tito said.

Beyond post-disaster response, the assistance is expected to help revive the local economy. Particularly, economic growth in Aceh has not yet fully recovered. Therefore, various recovery efforts are needed, including through the distribution of social assistance.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf hopes that beneficiaries will use the assistance in accordance with its intended purpose. The assistance is provided based on data reported by regional governments. “Naturally, the data is dynamic and will continue to grow. The Ministry of Social Affairs will progressively distribute data that has been verified, as per the directive from the Minister of Home Affairs—the sooner the better,” said the Minister of Social Affairs.