The Palace Says The Government Is Still Able To Overcome The Sumatra Disaster, Sufficient Food Stock

JAKARTA - Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi who is also the Presidential Spokesperson stated that the government was still able to overcome floods and landslides in three provinces of Sumatra, including food stocks that were still sufficient for victims.

Prasetyo's statement was in response to the opportunity for international assistance to enter if disasters in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Aceh were designated as national disasters.

"For the time being, it hasn't (opened up opportunities) yet. Even though we also represent the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, we express our gratitude for the great attention from friendly countries," Prasetyo said in response to reporters' questions after a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Wednesday, December 3.

Pras, as he is familiarly called, said that the Indonesian government appreciates the attention of friendly countries that pay attention, both in the form of direct assistance, and concern.

But on the other hand, the government claims it is still able to overcome the disaster itself, with adequacy in food stocks and distribution of fuel oil (BBM) to affected areas.

"We feel that the government, in this case we are all still able to overcome all the problems we face," said Pras.

In terms of food, the government stated that the stock was sufficient. Meanwhile, for fuel, the government has coordinated with PT Pertanina so that fuel supplies can be distributed, even by air.

Pras assessed that the distribution of air line fuel was admitted to be not normal, but adjusted to disaster conditions in the field.

"BBM is also how we try to drop from the air because it is in accordance with the disaster conditions we face in the field," said Pras.

On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno ensured the smooth delivery of logistical assistance to communities in floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"The government continues to ensure the smooth delivery of basic services to all disaster areas," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno during a press conference at the Sumatra Disaster Assistance Post, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Wednesday.

Pratikno said that so far 500 thousand tons of aid packages have been sent to a number of areas affected by the disaster.

"We have sent more than 500,000 tons of aid from various parties, be it food packages, ready-to-eat food, medicines, tents, blankets, and other direct assistance to affected residents, including areas whose access routes are cut off," said Pratikno.

He conveyed that coordination between ministries/agencies continues to be strengthened to ensure smooth delivery and distribution of logistics and search for victims.