Three Banjar Refugee Posts Provide 16 Thousand Meals Per Day

The Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) of the Republic of Indonesia Saifullah Yusuf (left) cooks with volunteers for flood victims who have been displaced at the Sungai Tabuk Puskesmas Post, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, Sunday (4/1/2026). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Saifullah Yusuf, said that the Banjar Regency Government, South Kalimantan, prepared around 16,000 meals every day to meet the food needs of flood victims who were displaced in three shelter posts.

"Three posts are spread out, the first post provides 5,000 servings, the second 6,000 servings, and the last post about 5,000 servings," said Saifullah Yusuf when reviewing the communal kitchen at the Sungai Tabuk Health Center Post, Banjar Regency, Sunday, January 4.

During his visit, the Minister of Social Affairs expressed his appreciation to dozens of volunteers who were actively involved in disaster management, especially in providing food for thousands of flood-affected residents.

"Thank you for the willingness of the volunteers to participate in handling this flood disaster, we are not alone," he said.

The Minister of Social Affairs also provided moral support to the volunteers by taking the time to cook together in the public kitchen.

On that day, the communal kitchen at the Sungai Tabuk Health Center Post provided various staple food menus in the form of complete rice with side dishes, such as chicken meat, beef rendang, and various vegetables.

Saifullah Yusuf explained that the operation of the public kitchen was the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Social Affairs, local governments, the TNI, the National Police, and other related elements. The food prepared is not only intended for refugees at the post, but is also distributed to residents who choose to stay at home even though their area is still flooded.

"Every time of emergency, we provide logistical support, including ready-to-eat food, clothing, tents, mattresses, and other emergency needs. Therefore, this communal kitchen is very important so that the basic needs of refugees are met during emergency conditions," said the Ministry of Social Affairs, Saifullah.