Monitor the distribution of PDIP assistance, Megawati asks that the needs of the victims of the Sumatra disaster be immediately reported.
JAKARTA - PDI Perjuangan General Chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri is monitoring the distribution of humanitarian assistance for disaster victims in Sumatra which is being distributed by the PDIP Disaster Management Agency (Baguna) using the Laksamana Mahalayati KM which is docked in Lhokseumawe, Aceh.
Through a video teleconference connection, Megawati asked the Deputy Secretary General of the PDIP, Sri Rahayu, who was in Lhokseumawe, about the stock of distribution of logistics, ranging from medicines, baby diapers to milk for toddlers.
Megawati specifically asked that the needs on the ground be recorded quickly and reported without waiting for the stock to run out.
"For everything, the medicines that are still lacking should be immediately recorded. Everything must always be as I said, using the time as quickly as possible so that we here can immediately provide it again," Megawati said via a video teleconference from Jakarta, Sunday, January 11.
He also asked directly about the health conditions of the affected residents. Sri Rahayu reported the complaints of diseases that the refugees experienced, ranging from eye pain, diarrhea, to high blood pressure.
However, the problem arises with baby logistics. Megawati asked about the availability of disposable diapers. Sri Rahayu replied that the stock was already depleted.
"We have already distributed it to the mothers who are carrying babies, who are carrying children. All those who have children have been given everything. And our stock certainly no longer allows for children, for babies or diapers," said Sri Rahayu.
Megawati immediately reminded that the request for assistance should not be delayed. He emphasized his long experience in handling disasters, including when he was Vice President, where delays in distribution often occurred due to travel factors.
"Yes, that's why, this is sent quickly, the requested needs. Because of course later we will bring it which of course takes time. Don't let it be empty," said Megawati.
Megawati again reminded the importance of a system of monitoring sustainable needs so that assistance does not come after the emergency condition has passed.
"That's why there must be a system for this to continue, what is it called, seeing the needs and then how much is needed. Don't let it run out first," said Megawati.
Another crucial issue that emerged was the need for baby milk. The head of the Baguna PDIP medical team, Michelle, revealed the emergency situation faced by mothers with babies under six months old.
Many mothers find it difficult to get food for their babies. In fact, according to him, limited access makes some residents desperate.
"That's what happened yesterday at Indomaret, they even broke into Indomaret. Until there was a patient, my parents were crying, 'I'm not a bad person but I have to do this because I don't know where else to buy milk'," explained Michelle, quoting the residents' confession.
Michelle emphasized the urgent need for infant milk for 0-6 months, Complementary Foods to Breast Milk for children over six months, and supplements for pregnant women. In response to this, Megawati ensured that assistance would be sent immediately. He reiterated the main principle in handling disasters.
"Because I always say, in order to overcome this disaster, the most, most needed is the speed of time, what is the deficiency and so on," concluded Megawati.