JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Jusuf Kalla emphasized that the authority to handle disasters, including the mechanism for receiving foreign aid, is entirely in the hands of the government.
The 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia conveyed that the current government has opened space for the entry of assistance from abroad, especially those channeled through international social organizations. According to him, the assistance has begun to arrive since last weekend.
"As reported in the media, since last Friday the government has opened foreign assistance from international social organizations, such as assistance in Medan from the United Arab Emirates through social institutions, including networks such as the Red Crescent," said Jusuf Kalla at the PMI Headquarters, Monday, December 22.
However, Jusuf Kalla emphasized that the government did not officially submit a request or international appeal (appeal) for assistance. This is the basis of the government's policy in regulating the entry of foreign aid.
"The government does not appeal, does not ask. So if it is not asked, yes it is not automatically accepted officially. But if there is a party that voluntarily helps, it is a common thing everywhere," he said.
He compared the current situation with the handling of the Aceh tsunami disaster in 2004, when the government openly asked for international assistance.
"It's different from the time of the Aceh tsunami. At that time the government asked for international assistance. Now there is no need, because the government is still able. But if anyone is willing to help, please," he said.
Previously, the Aceh Provincial Government ensured that international assistance for disaster management in Sumatra could enter, as long as it was not government to government. Aceh Government Spokesperson Muhammad MTA said, based on coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, assistance from international non-governmental organizations was allowed.
"International NGOs or the like can provide assistance for Aceh's post-disaster recovery. However, they must still report to BNPB and BPBA," said Muhammad MTA.
He added that logistical assistance would follow the reporting mechanism of the disaster agency, while the recovery program would be further coordinated with the central government and the Aceh Government.
In early December, the government also confirmed that it had not opened the option of implementing special disaster handling schemes such as the Presidential Instruction (Inpres) that was enacted after the 2018 Palu earthquake and tsunami. Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government was still able to handle emergency needs independently.
"For the time being, no," said Prasetyo when giving information in Jakarta, Wednesday, December 3.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
