The Minister of Social Affairs has prepared assistance for disaster reconstruction-rehabilitation

JAKARTA - Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the government is preparing various assistance programs for the reconstruction and rehabilitation stages after floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"There are areas that are still focusing on infrastructure recovery and logistics fulfillment, but some others are preparing to carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation," said the Ministry of Social Affairs, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, December 17.

The minister, who is usually called Gus Ipul, explained various programs that will be distributed, including the funeral of the deceased victim of Rp. 15 million which was handed over to the heirs, while the severe injury victim was Rp. 5 million.

The government also provides temporary life insurance for families living in temporary housing (huntara) and permanent housing (huntap). This life insurance is provided for three months with an assistance index of Rp. 10,000 per person per day.

Regarding the amount of this assistance, his party has reported to the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Pratikno to get directions on whether the index is still relevant or needs adjustment.

"After the life guarantee, families in huntara or huntap will also receive assistance for household equipment, such as kitchen utensils, chairs, and tables, with a value of Rp. 3 million. This index still uses the 2020 standard," he said.

Another program, in the form of empowerment support for the first phase of economic recovery with an assistance value of Rp5 million per family.

He said all of these programs were carried out in accordance with the instructions of the central government.

Kemensos also organizes public kitchens. Currently, there are 39 public kitchen locations in three provinces with a production of more than 400 thousand meals per day.

Along with the recovery of infrastructure, the number has been adjusted, although in some areas there has been an increase.

"In Aceh Tamiang, for example, which previously only had two public kitchens, it is now proposed to add a public kitchen in every sub-district," he said.

All implementation of the Kemensos assistance is carried out through coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and local governments.

Assessment of needs in the field is carried out together with the local government so that the assistance provided is targeted.

"This is part of the Ministry of Social Affairs' task which is part of a large government team. And in its implementation, we coordinate with BNPB, of course, because we are escorted by BNPB," he said.