Prabowo Ensures That Farmers' KUR Debt Affected By Disasters Will Be Removed

JAKARTA - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that farmers affected by the disaster in Aceh do not need to worry about the People's Business Credit (KUR) installments. The government ensures that there is a policy of eliminating or relaxing payments, because the current situation is classified as a majeure force or force majeure condition.

He conveyed this certainty while reviewing the construction of the Bailey Bridge in the Teupin Mane area, Bireuen, Aceh, on Sunday. The bridge is a vital route connecting the Bireuen area with Bener Meriah to Takengon, which was cut off due to the disaster.

"Farmers don't have to worry. This is not their fault, but an emergency situation," said President Prabowo in a statement received in Jakarta.

In front of the community, the President again emphasized that the damage to agricultural land and irrigation would get the government's full support. He said reports of field conditions had been received, and recovery measures were accelerated immediately.

"We will repair damaged agricultural land. While waiting for the recovery to be completed, the government will pay for the food needs of the community. Our stock is sufficient," he said.

Prabowo also ensured that various institutions worked together to accelerate disaster management, ranging from the TNI, Polri, to local governments. He gave his appreciation to the officers and local workers who day and night handled the emergency situation.

"I saw everything moving together. The police, TNI, local governments, volunteers, all working hand in hand to help the community," said the President.

To ensure the acceleration of improvement of agricultural infrastructure and transportation access, he appointed the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) as Commander of the Bridge and Infrastructure Improvement Acceleration Task Force. This decision was taken because the Indonesian Army has a zeni unit that is ready to deploy large numbers of construction troops.

"I assign the Army Chief of Staff to lead the acceleration of improvement. All resources are deployed so that access and infrastructure can recover quickly," he said.

At the end of the visit, Prabowo emphasized that the government is obliged to be present in the difficult times of the people, especially when disasters occur in the first year of government.

"This is a disaster and a challenge. But we were chosen to solve difficulties, not to avoid them," concluded the President.