Rp700 billion for disaster recovery in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has completed the distribution of disaster social assistance worth more than Rp700 billion for handling disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, from a total budget allocation prepared exceeding Rp2 trillion. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, in a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, stated that Rp700 billion has already been disbursed and currently, his ministry is processing the next phase of distribution amounting to Rp218 billion as part of the government’s commitment to accelerating recovery for affected communities. The Rp218 billion budget currently being processed is intended for around 67,000 family heads (KK) as beneficiaries. In addition, the funds also cover individual life guarantee assistance (jadup) for around 270,000 people. Regarding the details of the compensation, the minister explained that the ministry provides assistance worth Rp15 million to the heirs for more than 1,000 deceased victims. Meanwhile, for victims who suffered severe injuries, compensation of Rp5 million each is given. For life guarantee assistance to purchase side dishes, the government provides Rp450,000 per person every month for three months. Saifullah emphasised that the distribution is based on survivor data that has undergone a strict verification process from BNPB, local governments, to NIK verification at the Ministry of Home Affairs. This process also involves the Prosecutor’s Office and Police to ensure data accountability. Valid data that has been signed by Tito Karnavian as Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) and also Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Post-Sumatra Disaster serves as the guideline for distribution. Kemensos then collaborates with PT Pos Indonesia to deliver the assistance directly to verified families. Saifullah added that if the initial budget allocation is deemed insufficient to meet field needs, Kemensos will propose an Additional Budget Cost (ABT) to the Ministry of Finance. This aims to ensure that all affected residents receive adequate recovery assistance.