“We opened these kitchens when the disaster hit and will keep them running as long as needed. More than 500 Disaster Preparedness Cadets are helping with evacuations and kitchen operations,” Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said Tuesday.
He said aid is flowing from multiple government and private agencies.
The ministry has distributed staple goods, ready-to-eat meals, clothing for mothers and children, medicines, tents, mattresses and blankets as part of its emergency stockpile.
“We’ve sent assistance to many areas. The total value of aid from all agencies has reached nearly Rp25 billion (US$1.4 million). As evacuees return home, we’ll adjust support in later phases,” Yusuf said.
He noted that poor access created setbacks during early distribution efforts, including in Central Tapanuli.
“Initially we relied on small helicopters, but once routes reopened, we moved supplies by truck or ship. Some deliveries were delayed up to two days, but they’re now arriving. We’ve also used ships for the past three days,” he said.
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The ministry continues to assist residents in all three affected provinces. As of Monday, it had delivered Rp14.5 billion (US$844,000) in logistical support from its buffer stock.
It is also funding public and independent kitchens with a budget of about Rp4.5 billion (US$262,000).
The kitchens can serve about 30,000 meals a day in West Sumatra — including Padang, Padang Pariaman, West Pasaman and Pesisir Selatan.
North Sumatra’s 12 sites in Mandailing Natal, Langkat and North Tapanuli can also provide about 30,000 meals a day, while Aceh’s seven kitchens in Subulussalam, Pidie Jaya and nearby districts serve roughly 28,000.
These figures continue to rise as more kitchens open, with daily updates based on field conditions.
Yusuf said the ministry is coordinating closely with local governments, disaster agencies and other partners to ensure support reaches vulnerable groups, including the elderly, toddlers, people with disabilities and pregnant women.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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