DPR asks the government to speed up logistics assistance for Makassar flood victims

Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mahdalena, urged the government to accelerate the distribution of assistance for hundreds of residents affected by flooding in Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Currently, residents are forced to evacuate because the height of the water submerging the house reaches more than 50 centimeters.

"We are concerned about the condition of Makassar residents. They were forced to evacuate because their houses were damaged and flooded. Makassar is an economic buffer city for Central Indonesia," said Mahdalena, Friday, February 27.

"If the flood spreads and lasts a long time, trading activities and distribution of goods will be disrupted. This has a direct impact on the income of residents," he continued.

Based on data from the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), a total of 878 people or 239 families were forced to evacuate because their houses were flooded since Thursday, February 26. Biringkanaya and Manggala sub-districts were reported to be the most severely affected areas.

Mahdalena emphasized that quick handling is crucial considering Makassar's strategic position as a center of economic growth in the Central Indonesian region. He assessed that disruptions to city activities would have a domino effect on logistics distribution and regional economic stability.

Moreover, said Mahdalena, currently residents are carrying out the Ramadan fasting in the midst of a disaster situation. Therefore, he asked the government to ensure that logistical needs, especially for sahur and breaking the fast, are available in sufficient quantities at the evacuation points so that residents can still worship properly.

"In the midst of limited displacement, the government needs to ensure the availability of food for sahur, breaking the fast, and other basic needs. People whose assets are damaged and whose economic activities are halted need the presence of the state to ease their burden," he said.

"We hope that as much as possible in the midst of all the limitations due to disasters, the affected residents will meet their basic needs while performing the Ramadan prayers," added the legislator from the West Nusa Tenggara District.

In addition to general assistance, Mahdalena also emphasized the importance of prioritizing services for vulnerable groups. He asked field officers to ensure the fulfillment of special needs for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, ranging from nutritious food to prompt access to health services.

"The needs of vulnerable groups must be a priority. For example, the availability of milk for children and health services for the elderly. After the water recedes, the recovery and cleaning process must be carried out in a coordinated manner so that the wheels of the community's economy can immediately recover," he concluded.