Our homework is to strengthen communication and coordination."
Bogor (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa believes that the media has a crucial role in handling natural disasters in Indonesia.

"I have observed how the media can affect the handling and delivery of aid in disaster-struck areas. On a visit to Sorong, West Papua, which was hit by an earthquake, I noticed that the area received little outside aid, and no help came from the local church. Apparently, this is because the media does not preach," the minister stated in Bogor on Thursday.

In fact, Minister Khofifah pointed out that reports circulating in the mass media were able to draw donors or other parties to offer additional assistance at the disaster site, which may be far from the city center.

Citing examples of such cases, Minister Khofifah concluded that the media had a vital role in disaster response situations in addition to the struggle to offer humanitarian assistance.

"Hence, the mass media plays an important role in encouraging the people to mobilize to help each other and serving our brothers, who are affected," she affirmed.

In addition to increasing the role of humanitarian aid, Khofifah called for intensifying communication and coordination between the Tagana volunteer coordinators in the area and the competent authorities dealing with natural disasters in the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"Our homework is to strengthen communication and coordination. Do not let anyone run into darkness when they encounter disasters, both natural and social. If we do not serve in such times, it will turn into a humanitarian disaster," Minister Khofifah explained.

According to the minister, coordination between the lower and higher ranks is necessary for the efficient handling of natural disasters and should take into account the limited abilities and resources in the area of social services for tackling the problem.

"It is sad that its structure is too small. Please continue to establish coordination with the Social Affairs Office but also ensure communication across all levels. Offering speedy services is very important. In a state of emergency, we cannot wait too long for instructions A, B, or C," Minister Khofifah added.

(Reported by Roy Rosa Bachtiar/Uu.B020/INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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