Indonesia Mobilises Rp48 Billion in Regional Aid, Releases Rp268 Billion for Sumatra Disaster Response
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has announced that his ministry has coordinated assistance from regional governments amounting to approximately Rp48 billion (around US$2.86 million) to support disaster response efforts in Sumatra.
The assistance followed a circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs calling on regional governments across Indonesia to support provinces affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
“The government moved quickly by coordinating support between regions. Some provided financial assistance, while others delivered aid in the form of goods,” Karnavian said in Jakarta on Friday.
Among the contributors were East Kalimantan Province and West Java Province, each of which provided Rp7 billion (about US$418,000).
The relief effort was further strengthened by the Association of Indonesian District Governments (Apkasi), led by Lahat District Head Bursah Zarnubi, which directly visited disaster-hit areas to deliver assistance worth around Rp5 billion (approximately US$299,000).
In addition to inter-regional coordination, Karnavian said the central government had disbursed additional Unexpected Expenditure (BTT) funds following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen disaster management in the affected areas.
The funds, totaling Rp268 billion, were allocated to three provinces and 52 districts and cities. Each province received Rp20 billion, while each of the 52 districts and cities was allocated Rp4 billion.
According to the minister, the funds have been utilised in line with government guidelines to address the immediate needs of affected communities. He added that the ministry has also deployed teams to the three provinces to provide civil registration services for residents impacted by the disasters.
Karnavian emphasised that the government will continue to ensure effective coordination to support swift, integrated and sustainable emergency response, rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
Severe floods and landslides struck Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra in late November 2025 following intense rainfall. Data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency showed that as of December 19, the death toll had reached 1,071, while 185 people remained missing. The disasters damaged approximately 147,000 houses, 145 bridges, and 434 places of worship across 52 districts and cities in the three provinces.
