Ministry deploys all social workers to monitor disaster aid in Sumatra

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said on Thursday that the assistance is being implemented comprehensively to ensure it is delivered accurately in terms of targeting, quantity, and timeliness, covering the entire process from receipt and utilization to reporting.

“We have asked social workers to assist in the process so that everything can be properly reported. All distributed aid must be accountable, as the ministry is audited by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) and the Supreme Audit Board (BPK),” he said.

Regarding the disbursement of adaptive assistance funds for disaster victims, he said around Rp200 billion, or about US$11.8 million, remains in the process of being distributed. The funds are part of a total Rp2 trillion, or about US$118.3 million, budget allocated for disaster response.

The ministry has so far verified data on 75,000 beneficiary families deemed eligible and ready to receive assistance.

In addition, more than 270,000 individual beneficiaries have been verified to receive livelihood support.

“About Rp700 billion, or roughly US$41.4 million, has been disbursed to beneficiaries. The remaining Rp200 billion is still being processed and is expected to be received by affected communities next week,” he said.

In distributing the aid, the ministry is working with state postal operator Pos Indonesia through three schemes, collection at post offices, community-based distribution at sub-district or village offices, and door-to-door delivery for people with disabilities and the elderly.

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Translator: Prasetyo, Kenzu