Speed up Assistance, PRR Task Force asks Regional Heads to Accelerate Data on Victims of the Sumatra Disaster

JAKARTA - The Head of the Post-disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Task Force for Sumatra, Tito Karnavian, reminded the regent and mayor in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra to accelerate the delivery of data on disaster victims so that government assistance can be realized immediately.

"Data collection is the key to distributing house assistance, housing waiting funds, and other social and other assistance," Tito said, in a broadcast of the inauguration of the temporary residence which was followed from Jakarta, Thursday, quoted by Antara.

Tito, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, explained that among others, there was a housing waiting fund which was given the value of Rp. 600 thousand per month for three months or Rp. 1.8 million per family for residents who choose to live in family homes, rent, or contract houses.

In addition, local government data is also the basis for the distribution of assistance for the repair of light, medium, and heavy damaged houses, as well as permanent housing assistance for lost houses distributed through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Furthermore, for the distribution of assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs which has prepared assistance for the purchase of fish and vegetables, compensation for the deceased, as well as furniture assistance and economic stimulus. Based on a report from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the budget prepared is worth more than Rp. 600 billion.

"I appreciate the regional heads who have quickly submitted data so that assistance can be immediately distributed," he said.

However, he emphasized that for regional heads who have not sent data at least a week in advance, the distribution of assistance funds will be carried out in the next phase.

In this case, Central Tapanuli Regency is one of the areas that are still waiting for reporting on the data collection of victims affected by the PRR Task Force.

Meanwhile, the central government targets that affected people can benefit from all the assistance funds before entering the month of fasting Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.

According to Tito, the regent and mayor can send verified data gradually, not necessarily waiting for all affected areas to be recorded first, so that residents can gradually leave the evacuation tents that are far from being comfortable.