The fundraising event was held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Building F Auditorium in Jakarta and took place openly and in real time. It drew participation from ministry staff, the National Food Agency (Bapanas), and business partners in the agricultural sector.
Sulaiman said all donations were given voluntarily. Participants were free to contribute according to their means, with amounts ranging from Rp20,000, Rp50,000, and Rp100,000 to Rp250,000.
“We welcome any amount. This reflects our shared commitment to help those in need,” the minister said.
He stated that social solidarity is not only a program but also a national moral duty. The recent disasters in Sumatra, he added, serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and compassion.
“Our brothers and sisters have been struck by disaster, and as members of this nation, we must offer our support,” he said.
The ministry’s humanitarian post has opened a dedicated bank account to receive public donations. To maintain transparency, Sulaiman encouraged his staff to directly monitor the flow of funds.
This is not Sulaiman’s first major fundraising initiative. During the 2018 Palu earthquake, he managed to collect nearly Rp50 billion, or around US$3 million, in about 30 minutes.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the death toll from floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra reached 708 on Tuesday.
North Sumatra reported 294 deaths and 155 people missing. Aceh recorded 218 deaths and 227 missing. West Sumatra reported 196 deaths, with 117 people still unaccounted for.
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Translator: Muhammad Harianto, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Primayanti
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