Indonesia disburses $41 million aid for Sumatra disaster victims

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said in Jakarta on Wednesday that his ministry is processing the next phase of Rp218 billion to support recovery efforts.

The Rp218 billion allocation is intended for around 67,000 beneficiary households and includes a living allowance for about 270,000 people.

The Social Affairs Ministry provides Rp15 million to the heirs of more than 1,000 fatalities, while seriously injured victims receive Rp5 million each.

It has also allocated Rp3 million per household for basic household needs and Rp5 million in economic assistance.

For living allowance, the government provides Rp450,000 per person per month for three months.

Yusuf said the disbursement is based on verified data involving the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), regional governments, and identity verification through the Home Affairs Ministry.

The process also involves the Attorney General’s Office and the National Police to ensure data accountability.

The validated data, endorsed by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, serves as the basis for aid distribution.

The ministry is working with state-owned postal company PT Pos Indonesia to deliver aid to verified families.

Yusuf said the ministry will propose additional budget allocations to the Finance Ministry if the initial funds are insufficient.

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Translator: M Riezko, Raka Adji