Interior Minister Tito and Social Minister Distribute Second Phase of Disaster Aid Worth Rp136 Billion to Sumatra Victims
Interior Minister (Mendagri) and Head of the Task Force (Kasatgas) for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) following the Sumatra disaster Muhammad Tito Karnavian, together with Social Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf, distributed social assistance (bansos) phase II to disaster victims in Aceh Province, North Sumatra (Sumut), and West Sumatra (Sumbar). The assistance distribution ceremony took place in hybrid format from the East Aceh Regent’s Hall, Aceh, on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Total phase II assistance distributed reached Rp136.902 billion. The support from the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) consisted of Housing Completion Assistance (BIH) worth Rp31.47 billion, Socio-Economic Stimulus Assistance (BSSE) worth Rp52.45 billion, and Livelihood Guarantees (Jadup) worth Rp52.98 billion for affected communities. This assistance forms part of the government’s efforts to aid the recovery of disaster-affected communities, with distribution conducted through PT Pos Indonesia.
Tito expressed hope that, beyond supporting post-disaster management, the assistance could restore the economy of affected communities. This is particularly important as post-disaster economic growth in Aceh Province has not fully recovered. Consequently, various recovery efforts are required, including through the distribution of social assistance.
He stated that the government has provided various forms of support to accelerate recovery, including assistance for communities whose homes suffered light, moderate, or severe damage. The government has also increased Transfer to Regions (TKD) funding to all districts in the three affected provinces with a total of Rp10.6 trillion.
Tito emphasised that the government will continue undertaking various recovery efforts for affected regions. “As we conduct improvements and other efforts across all sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf expressed hope that beneficiaries would utilise the assistance in accordance with its intended purpose. This assistance was provided based on data reported by local governments (Pemda).
“Of course the data is dynamic and will continue to increase. The Ministry of Social Affairs will gradually distribute data that has been verified. In line with the Interior Minister’s direction, the faster the better,” he explained.
Those present in the ceremony included Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah, East Aceh Regent Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky, members of the Regional Leaders’ Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of East Aceh Regency, and other related officials. Representatives from North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces also attended online.