Minister Of Trade Budi Ensures Safe Food Supply In Sumatra Disaster Areas

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso (Photo: Mery Handayani/VOI)

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso ensured that food supplies in the area around the flood disaster points in Aceh, North Sumatra (North Sumatra) and West Sumatra (North Sumatra) were in a safe condition.

For example, said Budi, reports from North Sumatra that food supplies are still available. However, the process of entering aid to disaster points is still hampered by damaged infrastructure conditions.

North Sumatra also conveyed that supply exists. Supply is under control. Only if those who want to enter, who are assisted, the infrastructure is indeed problematic. But outside of that there is no problem. There are also all supplies," Budi said after the National Religious Holiday Preparation Coordination Meeting (HBKN) for Christmas and New Year, at the Ministry of Trade, Central Jakarta, Monday, December 8.

According to Budi, areas directly affected by floods and landslides do require special handling through government assistance.

"In disaster areas, it is handled specifically with the help of all kinds. But in the vicinity, which does not occur, supply exists and is controlled," he said.

Therefore, Budi said that what needs to be anticipated at this time is the smooth distribution so that the area around the disaster is not affected. He reiterated that food stocks are generally safe.

"But the important thing now is that it's the focus of aid. If it was outside the disaster site, it had been conveyed that it was anticipated that the supply would actually be enough, there would be no problem," he said.

In addition, Budi said that not only food distribution or assistance was hampered because infrastructure was damaged by flooding, markets in disaster-affected areas were also damaged. The total reached 41 special markets in North Sumatra.

"Earlier, there were 41 in North Sumatra. We will back that later, of course we will order it. But if it's a disaster, the focus is on help first, it's reached the location," said Budi.

When asked about the budget needs for damaged market revitalization, Budi did not answer in detail. However, he said he would coordinate with the relevant Ministries/Institutions where the budget for market revitalization came from.

"If it's not from the Ministry of Trade, but we'll try to coordinate it again, where should it come from," he said.