JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto ensured that food supplies and basic necessities for disaster-affected communities in several areas of Sumatra are safe and sufficient.
The President stated that he had directly inspected food stocks and aid logistics at various evacuation sites.
Based on the results of the inspection, the President is confident that the supply of basic needs for the community, including those in isolated areas, is being met.
“I’m constantly checking everywhere. Food supplies are sufficient, even in the most isolated areas,” said President Prabowo.
However, the Head of State acknowledged that there are still obstacles in the aid distribution process, primarily due to weather factors that have affected the smooth delivery of logistics to several affected locations.
“It’s true that due to natural conditions, there were slight delays, but I checked all the evacuation sites. They are in good condition, and the services provided are good,” he said.
President Prabowo emphasized that the government continues to accelerate post-disaster recovery, including by reopening land access roads cut off by floods and landslides. This effort is considered crucial to streamline aid distribution and support public mobility.
He cited the Takengon region of Aceh, which was previously isolated, as an example. The President stated that inter-regional access in the region is now gradually recovering.
“We are continuing to work to open roads. I think the Bener Meriah bridge is already operational. Yesterday, I traveled from Takengon to Bener Meriah, then to Tamiang, and it’s already open,” the President added.
Previously, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Bima Arya Sugiarto, stated that the central government is moving quickly to ensure the basic needs of disaster-affected communities are met.
He emphasized that providing food, clean water, medicine, and clothing is a top priority, as directed by the President.
“The most important things are food, then clean water, medicine, and clothing for families. “That’s the very first thing,” said Bima Arya.
In addition to distributing logistical aid, the government has also deployed the Population and Civil Registration Agency to provide population document printing services for affected residents.
The government is also ensuring that the search for victims is being carried out optimally, involving the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and joint forces.
Regarding food security, Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman ensured that humanitarian food aid would be distributed quickly, including to isolated areas using helicopters.
“Distribution to isolated areas will be carried out using helicopters. Our team is already on the move,” said Minister Amran.