Home Affairs Minister Urges Regional Governments to Strengthen Mutual Cooperation in Assisting Disaster-Affected Areas

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has urged regional governments to strengthen the spirit of gotong royong, or mutual cooperation, in helping other regions affected by disasters.

Tito explained that Indonesia is a country with geographical conditions that carry disaster potential across various regions. The presence of numerous volcanoes, vast maritime areas and abundant rivers means disasters can occur in many different parts of the country.

According to him, these conditions require solidarity between regions. Regional governments with greater capacity can assist other regions that are dealing with the impact of disasters.

“Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. This is where we need gotong royong,” Tito said in a written statement on Saturday (29/8/2026).

He made the remarks while delivering a speech at the 2026 Outstanding Regional Government Appreciation event, Batch II for the Java–Bali region, held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre in Badung Regency, Bali, on Friday (28/8).

Tito expressed appreciation for a number of regional governments that have provided assistance to disaster-affected areas, such as in Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). He noted that many regions have channelled aid, and several regional heads have even visited the affected areas in person.

“So once again, I would like to thank my colleagues, the regional heads,” Tito said.

Tito stressed that inter-regional assistance does not always have to be in large amounts. If carried out collectively, assistance from various regional governments can provide significant benefits for affected communities.

“So once again, this solidarity of mutual assistance between regions when disasters occur can hopefully become our tradition, and it is very beneficial — honestly, very beneficial — for the affected regions,” he concluded.

In addition to encouraging inter-regional solidarity, the Home Affairs Minister said the central government also continues to provide support in handling the impact of disasters, both in Sumatra and NTT. The central government has provided budget support, including additional Transfers to the Regions (TKD) for Sumatra. Meanwhile, in NTT, the President has also provided budget support in the form of additional Unexpected Expenditure (BTT) totalling Rp 200 billion.