Sumatra Flood Recovery: Interior Minister Urges Finance Ministry to Release IDR 793 Billion

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has requested the Finance Minister to expedite the release of approximately IDR 793 billion (USD 50 million) to accelerate recovery efforts following severe floods in Sumatra. The funds are intended to support the execution of 991 reconstruction programs in the affected areas. "We submitted this morning that approximately IDR 793 billion remains. We have asked the Finance Minister for prompt disbursement so that ministries/agencies can execute their programs," Karnavian stated during a disaster management meeting on Monday. He indicated that around seven ministries and agencies still require assistance to expedite their reconstruction programs. With only about 3.5 months remaining for recovery work, Karnavian highlighted a critical issue in Aceh: a shortage of construction materials such as cement and iron. This scarcity is impacting the Public Works Ministry's extensive reconstruction projects, valued at around IDR 22 trillion, which include building dams, repairing roads and health centers, and restoring places of worship. Meanwhile, President Prabowo Subianto assessed that the government's response to recent natural disasters has become faster and more massive compared to previous years. He noted the government's robust and swift actions in handling the floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, and stated that national capabilities have successfully restored conditions in several affected regions. "I believe we will be more capable in facing future situations. Even now, our response is very fast compared to previous years," Prabowo remarked.