DPR Values the Government Does Not Need to Be Embarrassed to Accept External Assistance: No People Will Be Disappointed

Member of Commission II of the House of Representatives from the PDIP Faction, Deddy Yevri Sitorus, assessed that the central government did not need to be ashamed to accept international assistance. According to him, the Indonesian people will not be angry if the government receives assistance from outside to accelerate the post-disaster recovery in Sumatra.

"Humanitarian assistance is part of humanity and civilization between nations, so we should not be ashamed to accept assistance from outside," said Deddy, Wednesday, December 17.

According to the member of the commission which deals with domestic governance, the local government (local government) is limited in budget and resources. In fact, said Deddy, the recovery process requires large costs that must sacrifice other sectors.

He assessed that the acceptance of foreign aid would not provoke public disappointment in the government, nor would it undermine the dignity of the president and the country.

"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," said Deddy.

"It is a natural thing as we often help other countries that are hit by disasters," continued the legislator from the North Kalimantan District.

The chairman of the PDIP DPP then highlighted the letter from the Aceh Government to two UN agencies as well as the raising of the white flag 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 said.

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.

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 say thank you for their attention. Indonesia is able to overcome this," said Prabowo.

Meanwhile, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf alias Mualem still receives assistance from abroad without making it difficult to enter Tanah Rencong.

Mualem has also received assistance from the company Upland Resources which operates in the United Kingdom (United Kingdom/UK), Malaysia, and Indonesia. The assistance provided was in the form of basic necessities for refugees.

"In principle, we are human beings. Whoever helps us, we still accept it sincerely. Whoever, wherever," said Mualem at Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport, Aceh Besar, Monday, December 15.

Mualem said the assistance was immediately distributed to the Acehnese people affected by flash floods and landslides. He emphasized that in the event of a disaster, humanitarian spirit must be the main foundation regardless of the background of the aid provider.

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"The most urgent and most severe are in several areas, such as Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, North Aceh, and Bireuen. Also to Takengon and Beutong, as well as Langsa," said Mualem.

Even so, regarding the delivery of a letter to the UN, Mualem has denied it. He also did not know about it.