"The minister instructed us, and we urge regional offices, heads of Ministry of Religious Affairs offices at the city and provincial levels, and rectors, to take technical steps to assist the community," Amin said in a statement here on Saturday.
Kamaruddin explained that the fundraising mechanism not only involved the general public, but also all state civil servants (ASN) at the ministry.
Amin believes that this step was carried out synergistically with various philanthropic institutions, including the zakat management body, Baznas.
He emphasized that the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs represent a positive movement and remain open to participation from all parties. Cross-sector collaboration is crucial, particularly to ensure effective distribution of aid.
“So, I think this is a good thing. Everyone is welcome to help our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster. This is also coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB),” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of non-physical assistance as a form of moral support for affected communities.
According to him, various stakeholders are encouraged to contribute spiritual and social support.
“So, besides physical assistance, there is also moral assistance, such as praying together, and we are also involving lecturers so they can work together in synergy,” he stated.
Hundreds of logistical aid packages—from basic necessities and emergency generators to satellite internet devices and evacuation equipment—from the central government have arrived in North Sumatra and were immediately distributed.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) sent the emergency response assistance using a cargo aircraft from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta, to Silangit Airport, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, on Friday afternoon.
The Head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, said on Friday that all assistance would be immediately unloaded and prepared for further distribution, both by land and by air using helicopters, to ensure that the emergency response is delivered quickly and accurately.
BNPB stated that the logistical assistance distributed to affected areas included 200 basic food packages, 200 ready-to-eat food pouches, one refugee tent, 100 mattresses, 20 velbeds, 100 blankets, one 6 HP Alcon pump, one generator, and one polyethylene boat complete with an engine.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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