By: Fauziyah Hasan
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all aid funds for flash flood victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra are properly targeted and free from irregularities. Amidst the ongoing emergency situation, the government has prioritized victim recovery and ensured robust oversight mechanisms from the outset. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has also stated its readiness to monitor the flow of disaster relief funds as part of the government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the emergency response process through the recovery phase.
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto emphasized that the government is currently prioritizing a rapid response to the victims. He stated that emergency response is the first step that must be ensured optimally before entering the technical budget oversight stage. According to him, the government is ensuring the safety of citizens, basic needs, and the distribution of urgent aid as absolute priorities during this emergency phase.
He explained that budget oversight remains a priority, and the KPK has prepared concrete steps to ensure that funds are managed according to regulations. Setyo indicated that once the situation stabilizes, he will deploy authorized deputies to conduct comprehensive oversight. The Deputy for Coordination and Supervision and the Deputy for Prevention and Monitoring are mentioned as units with the potential to play a central role in this oversight. Through this mechanism, the government wants to ensure there is no room for irregularities, especially in disaster relief, which involves multiple funding sources.
Setyo also highlighted that disaster relief often involves multiple funding sources. In such circumstances, the government believes that potential areas for irregularities could arise if the distribution process is not closely monitored. He noted that aid can come from various parties, including the central government, regional governments, related institutions, and even donations from the public. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of comprehensive coordination to ensure transparency in the distribution process from upstream to downstream.
The government is also aware of the growing public attention to the issue of alleged irregularities in social assistance prices, which has been widely discussed on social media. For example, posts have emerged highlighting the alleged price of rice reaching Rp 60,000 per kilogram in aid packages for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Setyo stated that the government understands the public’s concerns and therefore, strengthening oversight is a non-negotiable step. He emphasized that audit and verification mechanisms will be implemented in stages to ensure all funds are used for their intended purpose.
From an academic perspective, Herdiansyah Hamzah, a researcher at the Center for Anti-Corruption Studies at Mulawarman University, assessed that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)’s oversight of disaster social assistance in Sumatra is highly feasible. He explained that the KPK could implement a similar oversight model to the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP). He believes the oversight process needs to begin from the source of funding until the funds are actually received by the affected communities. The government believes this view aligns with the need for tightened oversight, especially given the significant budget for disaster management.
Herdiansyah also highlighted that the BNPB’s budget ceiling in 2026 is only IDR 491 billion, making it highly likely that funding for flash flood management will be drawn from various sources, including the regional budget (APBD). The government understands that this situation requires cross-agency coordination to ensure that all funding flows remain within a clear oversight framework. Therefore, oversight from start to finish of the distribution process is crucial to maintain accountability.
In an effort to expand support for disaster victims, the government, through the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), is also collaborating with the National Zakat Agency (Baznas). This step is being taken to ensure the public has an official and secure channel for channeling donations. The government hopes this scheme will strengthen the aid distribution process, ensuring transparency and tailoring to the needs of affected communities in Sumatra. This collaboration is also part of a strategy to minimize the potential for irregularities, especially in aid originating from public donations.
Regarding law enforcement against illegal activities such as unauthorized forest use, which has also been cited as a contributing factor to the disaster, Setyo stated that the government is currently prioritizing emergency response. He emphasized that the government’s primary focus is ensuring the victims are promptly evacuated and their basic needs met. However, the government is still preparing enforcement measures for the next phase. He mHe explained that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will strengthen coordination with ministries and regional law enforcement officials, including utilizing the environmental sector studies prepared by the KPK.
These steps demonstrate the government’s full commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in disaster management in three provinces in Sumatra. Through cross-agency coordination, strict oversight, and a rapid response to on-the-ground dynamics, the government aims to ensure that every rupiah of aid reaches those in need. Amidst complex disaster situations, strengthening budget governance is key to ensuring a swift, targeted, and integrated recovery process.
*) Public Policy Observer