Indonesian diplomats and Foreign Ministry officials have mobilized extensive aid for the victims of the devastating Sumatra disaster. This crucial assistance was meticulously collected from personnel serving in missions and posts across the globe, demonstrating a unified international response to the humanitarian crisis.
“I am confident that this initiative serves as a profound expression of solidarity from all our diplomatic colleagues worldwide, enabling them to extend vital support to our affected brothers and sisters in the impacted provinces,” stated Foreign Minister Sugiono. He made this remark on Friday, December 5th, at the Palapa Building within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, emphasizing the collective spirit behind the effort.
Minister Sugiono underscored that these collaborative efforts directly align with the directives issued by President Prabowo Subianto. The President’s instruction called upon all stakeholders to work hand-in-hand to facilitate the crucial post-disaster response and recovery operations in Sumatra.
“And I believe that through these concerted efforts, mutual support, and a collective willingness to help one another, our endeavors to overcome this disaster situation will proceed smoothly and effectively,” he added, highlighting the power of unity in crisis management.
The collected humanitarian aid, comprising essential items such as various instant foods, vitamins, milk, and clothing, was promptly received by Raditya Jati, Deputy for Systems and Strategy at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Following its reception, the relief package was immediately transported to the disaster relief post at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, destined for swift distribution to affected areas via air routes.
Expressing profound gratitude, Raditya stated, “We extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the ‘Diplomat Peduli 2025’ initiative for their invaluable response to the disaster.” He conveyed these thanks at the same Jakarta location, acknowledging the significant contribution to Sumatra disaster relief.
Raditya emphasized that aid shipments would continue without interruption until all disaster victims achieve complete recovery. He reiterated the critical importance of all parties collaborating actively to ensure a rapid and comprehensive recovery for the affected regions.
“We cannot operate in isolation,” Raditya affirmed, echoing the Foreign Minister’s earlier sentiments. He elaborated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), community elements, and all government ministries and institutions are fully committed and “all out” in their efforts to address this major catastrophe impacting regions such as North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and beyond.
He concluded by stressing the long-term nature of the recovery: “Certainly, this phase cannot yet be considered the end. We continue to welcome assistance because, in the future, we will undoubtedly undertake crucial stages such as rehabilitation, reconstruction, and ongoing support for communities who have lost their livelihoods and are in dire need of sustained recovery.” This underscores the ongoing commitment to long-term aid for the affected populace.
Summary
Indonesian diplomats and Foreign Ministry officials mobilized extensive aid for Sumatra disaster victims, collected from personnel serving in missions across the globe. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated this initiative, delivered on December 5th, expresses profound solidarity from diplomatic colleagues worldwide and aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives for collaborative post-disaster response. The collected humanitarian aid, comprising essential items like instant foods and clothing, was received by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and swiftly transported for air distribution to affected areas.
Raditya Jati of BNPB expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ‘Diplomat Peduli 2025’ initiative, confirming that aid shipments will continue until victims achieve complete recovery. He emphasized the critical importance of all parties, including TNI and Polri, collaborating actively for rapid and comprehensive recovery in regions like North and West Sumatra. Raditya also stressed the long-term nature of recovery, welcoming continued assistance for crucial stages such as rehabilitation, reconstruction, and ongoing support for communities.