TNI Denies Allegation of Appropriation of Aid for Aceh Disaster Victims

Banda Aceh - The commander of Korem (Danrem) 011/Lilawangsa, Colonel Inf Ali Imran, strongly denied the allegation of confiscation of disaster assistance by TNI soldiers in Aceh. He emphasized that the TNI secured the assistance so that it could be distributed in an orderly and equitable manner to the affected community.

"I, Danrem 011/Lilawangsa, Colonel Inf Ali Imran, strongly deny the allegation that TNI members seized the aid. The allegation is not true," said Ali Imran, quoted from Antara, Monday, December 15.

Ali Imran explained that the security of the aid was carried out based on the order of the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The logistics that arrived through the port were secured and taken to the Korem as a disaster post that had been designated by the BNPB.

"The TNI is only carrying out its duty to help transport assistance from the port to the integrated post led by the BNPB. From there, the assistance is then distributed to the affected areas," he said.

According to Ali Imran, the entire process of receiving and distributing assistance is recorded and transparent. The process also involves local government agencies, ranging from keuchik, camat, Babinsa, to Bhabinkamtibmas.

"This system is made so that distribution is fair and equitable. We can list which villages have received assistance and which have not," he said.

He added that strict data collection was needed to avoid distribution inequality. Ali Imran gave an example, it is not uncommon for villages to claim that they have not received assistance, but after checking it turns out that they have received it many times, while other villages have not been touched at all.

"Therefore, it must be clearly regulated, so that no village is missed," he said.

Ali Imran also emphasized the commitment of the TNI in helping to handle disasters in Aceh from the beginning of the incident until the recovery period. He denied any intention to take or misuse the aid.

"I am an Acehnese. I have been helping to handle this disaster for three weeks. It is impossible for me to seize aid for my own community," he said.

He explained that the assistance was intended for all affected areas in 12 districts and cities under the working area of Korem 011/Lilawangsa, including Bener Meriah, Central Aceh, and Gayo Lues. Distribution of assistance is still carried out through land routes in relay.

"I order the Dandim of North Aceh to bring assistance in relay until kilometer 42. From Bener Meriah, many have also come down directly to pick up the aid," he said.

Ali Imran also revealed an incident of robbery against a ship carrying aid at sea a few days ago. He emphasized that security was tightened so that similar incidents would not be repeated.

"We don't want this to happen again. This assistance must be clear who took it and where it was distributed, so that it does not cause slander," he said.

He emphasized that the assistance distributed belongs to the state and donors, not private property. The assistance comes from the central government, the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, as well as volunteers and donors from various regions.

At the end of his statement, Ali Imran appealed to the public not to be easily provoked by incorrect issues.

"We ask the public to be patient and not easily influenced by information that is not clear about its truth. We are facing a disaster and trying to make recovery run quickly," he said.

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He added that the distribution of assistance is expected to be targeted and directly received by disaster victims.

"Our common desire is to provide assistance to people who really need it," concluded Ali Imran.