The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), in collaboration with its strategic partners and dedicated employees, has successfully mobilized substantial aid for flood victims across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman announced that the total humanitarian assistance collected has impressively reached approximately IDR 75 billion.
“Alhamdulillah, we have successfully gathered around IDR 75 billion in aid for the disaster. Earlier it was IDR 74.5 billion, but with additional contributions of IDR 200 million, IDR 100 million, and so on, it reached approximately IDR 75 billion this morning for our brothers and sisters,” Amran stated from the Kementan Office in South Jakarta on Tuesday (2/12).
In a detailed breakdown, Kementan will provide comprehensive support to the natural disaster victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, encompassing both material goods and financial aid. The value of the material aid alone amounts to IDR 21.44 billion, comprising a wide array of essential necessities and logistical provisions.
Among the crucial items being distributed are 505,000 liters of cooking oil, valued at IDR 9.34 billion; 21,874 kg of rice, worth IDR 1.31 billion; and 15,000 pieces of medicine, totaling IDR 750 million. The aid package also includes 14,423 bales of diapers (IDR 750 million), 11,093 boxes of instant noodles (IDR 1.1093 billion), 10,256 pieces of shredded meat floss (IDR 200 million), and 9,375 boxes of sausages (IDR 750 million).
Further provisions for the affected communities include 7,586 kg of sugar (IDR 132.75 million), 3,667 boxes of biscuits (IDR 27.5 million), 2,189 kg of eggs (IDR 72.25 million), 1,875 boxes of mineral water (IDR 56.25 million), 923 boxes of milk (IDR 122.99 million), and 1,000 boxes of other assorted goods (IDR 6.82 million).
In addition to the extensive material supplies, the Ministry of Agriculture is also distributing cash assistance amounting to IDR 52.12 million. Consequently, the combined total of both material goods and financial aid delivered to the affected regions reaches IDR 73.57 million.
Amran emphasized that Kementan had been actively involved since the onset of the disaster. Teams from Kementan, Bapanas (National Food Agency), and Bulog (State Logistics Agency) were swiftly deployed to the field. Their primary mission was to guarantee the adequate supply of community food needs, particularly rice, to prevent any shortages.
“We have already dispatched both regular and direct aid, including 40,000 tons of rice, to the three affected regions. Additionally, thousands of tons of cooking oil have been sent to these three flood-impacted areas in Aceh and Sumatra, through both regular and direct assistance channels,” he elaborated, highlighting the scale of the food security efforts.
Amran further revealed that coordination efforts were remarkably swift, a necessity given the emergency situation. He cited an example where a request for assistance from the Mayor of Lhokseumawe was immediately acted upon without bureaucratic delays or waiting for full administrative procedures, showcasing their commitment to rapid emergency response.
He assured the public that rice availability remains secure, as strategic stocks have been pre-positioned at various disaster points, spanning from Aceh to Padang, reinforcing the government’s preparedness.
“Our phones are on 24 hours a day,” Amran concluded, illustrating the unwavering dedication. “When the Mayor of Lhokseumawe texted me, we immediately responded by authorizing the release of rice; our signatures would follow. Because this is an emergency, we are coordinating with the Coordinating Minister, Mr. Pratikno, BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency), and the Minister of Home Affairs.”
Summary
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan), collaborating with partners and employees, has mobilized approximately IDR 75 billion in humanitarian aid for flood victims across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. This substantial support includes material goods valued at IDR 21.44 billion, encompassing essential items like cooking oil, rice, and medicine, alongside cash assistance. Kementan teams were swiftly deployed to guarantee adequate food supplies for affected communities.
Minister Amran Sulaiman highlighted Kementan’s active involvement since the disaster’s onset, dispatching 40,000 tons of rice and thousands of tons of cooking oil to the impacted regions. He stressed rapid emergency response, exemplifying immediate action on assistance requests without bureaucratic delays. Strategic rice stocks are pre-positioned across disaster points from Aceh to Padang, ensuring secure availability and Kementan’s continuous 24-hour dedication to relief efforts.