Indonesian Regions Urged to Support Disaster Relief Efforts

Minister Calls for Inter-Regional Solidarity

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has issued a strong appeal to financially capable regions to provide assistance to areas affected by recent disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The minister's request comes as affected regions face significant challenges due to depleted unforeseen expenditure budgets typically used during emergencies.

Limited Emergency Funding Highlights Need for Support

During a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta, Karnavian shared concerns from local leaders about the limited remaining budget for unforeseen expenditures. He emphasized that this financial constraint hampers the regions' ability to respond effectively to the disasters.

Government Response and Regional Contributions

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a special circular to all regional heads, encouraging them to provide financial and other forms of assistance to the affected areas. The circular follows a nationwide zoom meeting with regional leaders, where Karnavian stressed the importance of inter-regional solidarity.

Examples of Regional Support

Several regions have already heeded the call for assistance. East Java Provincial Government has provided substantial aid in the form of goods and basic necessities. Other contributing regions include:

• Bengkulu Provincial Government: Donated Rp 3 billion
• South Sulawesi Provincial Government: Contributed Rp 1.5 billion
• North Kalimantan Provincial Government: Provided Rp 1 billion

These contributions demonstrate the spirit of inter-regional cooperation that the minister had encouraged. The assistance is crucial in supporting relief efforts in the affected regions, where resources are stretched thin due to the disasters.