PDIP criticism of Prabowo: Don't just claim to be able to overcome disasters, disaster victims need real evidence

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the PDIP Faction, Deddy Yevri Sitorus responded to President Prabowo Subianto's statement that Indonesia was able to handle the impact of disasters in three provinces in the Sumatra region. According to him, the government's ability must be visible in the field so that the public does not feel that the government is slow to recover, especially for disaster victims.

Deddy emphasized that the isolation of the affected areas must be immediately resolved so that the distribution of assistance runs smoothly. He also emphasized the need for basic necessities such as decent shelters, clean water, food and supporting needs such as fuel and electricity must be accelerated.

"If the government is indeed capable, it should be dealt with systematically. The isolation of the affected areas must be resolved so that the distribution of assistance runs smoothly," Deddy told reporters, Wednesday, December 17.

"The government's ability must be seen in the field in a tangible way," he added.

The member of Commission II of the DPR assessed that although the central government felt capable, the people in the affected areas still needed international assistance. He said he still saw a worrying condition from residents affected by floods and landslides until a week after the disaster.

"The problem is not just being able or not, but how quickly the people get out of suffering," said Deddy.

"We observe widespread public dissatisfaction because of the response to handling disasters which is considered slow," he continued.

Deddy emphasized that the period of rehabilitation and recovery is very crucial. According to him, the physical and psychological resilience of the community needs to be fully considered in difficult situations.

He also admitted that the local government (Pemda) was limited in budget and resources, although the recovery process requires large costs that often have to sacrifice other sectors. Therefore, Deddy believes that the central government should not be ashamed to receive assistance from friendly countries.

"Humanitarian assistance is part of humanity and civilization between nations, so we should not feel ashamed of receiving assistance from outside," he said.

"There will be no people who are disappointed if other countries help and it will not harm the prestige of the President or our dignity as a nation. That is a common thing as we often help other countries that are affected by disasters," continued Deddy.

Deddy then highlighted the letter from the Aceh Government to two UN agencies as an indication of the urgency of the situation on the ground. According to him, this indicates that the local government and the community are no longer able to survive.

"So if the NAD provincial government sends a letter to the UN, it reflects how urgent the situation on the ground is. It shows how the resilience of the people and the government in the affected areas has exceeded the psychological threshold," he concluded.

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia has the full ability to handle disasters that occur in a number of affected areas without having to declare them as national disasters. The affirmation was conveyed by President Prabowo during the Paripurna Cabinet Meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, December 15.

English:

Prabowo revealed that he received many phone calls from heads of state who conveyed their concerns while offering assistance. However, he assessed that the national condition was still under control and could be handled with its own strength.

"I express my gratitude for their attention. Indonesia is able to overcome this," said Prabowo.

He also responded to the demands of a number of parties who asked that the disaster be declared a national disaster. According to Prabowo, the government has deployed the maximum handling in the three affected provinces and continues to monitor the situation directly.

"The situation is under control. I keep monitoring," he said.