Disaster Fundraising Must Be Permitted By The Ministry Of Social Affairs, Chairman Of DPD: Easy, Just Follow It

PHOTOS OF ILLUSTRATION/delivery OF assistance from BPKH to residents affected by floods and landslides in Sumatra. BETWEEN/HO-BPKH

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin responded to the statement by the Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) who stated that every fundraising activity, no matter how small the nominal, ideally obtaining official permission from the government.

This statement was conveyed in response to a number of artists and influencers raising donations for victims of flash floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

Sultan Najamudin assessed that the rules for raising disaster donations do not need to be considered complicated. According to him, if the regulations made by the government are good, then the regulation remains to be followed.

"If the Ministry of Social Affairs says there are rules, it's easy to just follow. It's not difficult. If the rules are good, it's followed," said Sultan Najamudin at the DPR/MPR building complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, December 10.

Sultan explained that in a disaster situation there are two types of assistance that usually flow, namely from the government and from non-governmental parties. Both, he said, have an important role in the disaster management process.

He also appreciated the assistance from the community, both coming from social, private, and individual institutions.

"We give appreciation to non-governmental assistance. Of course there are people who care, there are those who want to help, that's certainly very good," he said.

However, he understands the importance of regulations so that every fundraising can be accounted for transparently and not misused.

"It's better if the aid can be audited, transparent, and accountable. If there are rules, it's better to follow," he said.

Previously, Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf revealed that fundraising for victims of natural disasters could be carried out by anyone. However, according to him, fundraising parties, both institutions, groups, and individuals, must apply for permits.

"It's better, according to the provisions, that's a permit first. Yes, the permit can be from the district, city, or also from the Ministry of Social Affairs," said GusIpul at the Ministry of Social Affairs office, Salemba, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, December 9.

Even so, Gus Ipul said, the licensing process would not be complicated, it would only take two days. He added, if fundraising is carried out at the national level, permits can be obtained through the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"Indeed, in the provisions, if you raise funds from the community, it can be done, it can be started by applying for permission online, and it is not complicated," said the Minister of Social Affairs as reported by Antara, Wednesday, December 10.