Jakarta — The government continues to accelerate post-disaster infrastructure recovery in several regions across Sumatra. One significant achievement directly felt by communities is the increasingly smooth road access to affected areas. This improvement has had a positive impact on the distribution of logistical aid, healthcare services, and the mobility of field personnel, enabling disaster response efforts to run more effectively and in a more coordinated manner.
Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo stated that the restoration of basic infrastructure is a top priority to ensure community mobility and the smooth distribution of essential goods. Response efforts are being carried out in parallel, particularly in the water resources sector and national road connectivity.
“We are prioritizing river normalization, embankment protection, and the provision of clean water for affected communities. Water resources infrastructure must function again so that community activities can recover and the risk of further disasters can be reduced,” Dody said.
Meanwhile, Perum Bulog has ensured that assistance to each disaster-affected area in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra has increased, in some cases being tripled. Bulog has also established a priority scale for aid distribution, focusing on isolated areas, areas in need, and affected regions.
President Director of Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, explained that there are 15 warehouses across Aceh with total government rice reserve stocks reaching 64,889 tons. For cooking oil, the available stock stands at 307,220 kiloliters. As for disaster relief, 12,561 tons of rice reserves have already been distributed, along with 154 tons of regional rice reserves.
“Specifically for Aceh, in accordance with the request from the Governor of Aceh yesterday, he asked for an additional 5,000 tons. We have sent it, and thank God it has already been distributed to the respective regencies and cities,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad added that total rice food assistance amounts to 8,922 tons, while cooking oil assistance totals 1,784 liters. Priority has been given to Takengon and Bener Meriah, which are considered isolated areas.
“So the people in Aceh, especially those affected by disasters, do not need to worry or hesitate, especially as we are approaching Ramadan. Bulog’s rice stocks are sufficient, cooking oil is plentiful, and God willing, sugar is also abundant,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad further explained that in North Sumatra, distribution is supported by 19 warehouse locations with food reserve stocks reaching 17,904 tons of rice and approximately 284,588 kiloliters of cooking oil. Meanwhile, government rice assistance for natural disasters has been distributed totaling 5,098 tons, and assistance from regional governments has reached around 57 tons. In addition, rice food assistance provided directly to communities amounts to approximately 15,211 tons, while cooking oil assistance has reached 3,042 tons. *
