Jakarta (ANTARA) - Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian (center) delivers remarks to the press. (ANTARA/HO-Kemendagri)
Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian ensured that rice stocks for flood- and landslide-affected provinces in Sumatra are safe for the next six months.
He stated that he has personally confirmed the availability of rice stocks with state-run logistics firm Bulog.
“I personally checked the warehouse in Lhokseumawe. For Lhokseumawe, Bireuen, and North Aceh areas, there are 28,000 tons available. That is actually sufficient for nine months,” he said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
Nevertheless, he noted that the primary challenge is distributing the rice to communities in the disaster-hit areas, particularly those that remain difficult to access.
Karnavian also reaffirmed the government's commitment to quickly restoring the agricultural sector in affected regions. This is especially critical given that the government is currently focusing on food self-sufficiency as a top priority.
Regarding damaged houses, he urged the regional leaders to immediately prepare data on the affected residents to be used as a reference in providing assistance, noting that the government had readied several programs for the communities.
For instance, residents with lightly damaged homes will receive Rp15 million (around US$896) aid, while those with moderate damage will receive Rp30 million.
As for those whose houses are severely damaged or lost, they will be given permanent housing assistance.
The government is also providing additional support, such as a housing transition allowance, to assist residents while awaiting their permanent homes being built.
The minister urged regional heads to involve village heads in the data collection process to ensure the process is accelerated.
According to him, village heads are the ones who best understand the conditions of their residents, including those who have been affected by the disasters.
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This news was published on Antaranews.com with a title: Indonesia has 6 months of rice stock for flood-hit Sumatra: Minister
