Task Force Head Tito and Social Minister Hand Over Rp 136 Billion in Disaster Aid to Sumatran Victims

Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Task Force for Accelerated Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sumatra, distributed the second phase of social assistance (bansos) to disaster victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces alongside Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul). The aid handover ceremony took place in hybrid format from the East Aceh Regent’s Office in Aceh.

The total assistance distributed reached Rp 136.902 billion. This assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs represents part of the government’s efforts to help affected communities recover from the disaster and was distributed through PT Pos Indonesia.

The aid breakdown comprises Housing Completion Assistance (BIH) of Rp 31.47 billion, Social-Economic Stimulus Assistance (BSSE) of Rp 52.45 billion, and Living Guarantees (Jadup) of Rp 52.982 billion for affected communities.

Tito expressed hope that beyond addressing post-disaster relief, the assistance would help restore the economy of affected communities. He noted that economic growth in Aceh province remains incomplete following the disaster, necessitating various recovery efforts including social assistance distribution. The government has provided various forms of aid to accelerate recovery, including assistance for residents whose homes suffered light, moderate, or severe damage.

The government also increased the allocation of Transfers to Regions (TKD) to all areas in the three affected provinces, totalling Rp 10.6 trillion. Tito affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing various recovery efforts in the affected areas across all sectors.

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf hoped that beneficiaries would use the assistance in accordance with its intended purpose. The aid is based on data reported by regional authorities. He noted that the data is dynamic and will continue to grow, with the Ministry of Social Affairs progressively distributing verified data as directed by the Interior Minister, with the aim of accelerating the process.

The event was attended by Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah, East Aceh Regent Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of East Aceh Regency, and other relevant officials. Representatives from North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces participated online.