“Persons with disabilities receive special attention, and during evacuation and emergency response, we are ensuring facilities for them in shelters and other protected locations,” he said after marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Jakarta.
He noted that several disaster-hit areas remain isolated, complicating logistics and rescue operations. The government, together with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), is working to reopen access routes so supplies can reach stranded residents.
“We continue to pray for those on duty to have smooth operations. Some areas have been handled well, but others are still being worked on,” he said.
Advisor I of the ministry’s civil servants’ wives association (DWP), Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, said the ministry aims to provide the fullest possible assistance to persons with disabilities affected by the disasters.
“Whether disabled or non-disabled, we want to give them the best support,” she said.
Related news: Indonesia to investigate logging role in deadly Sumatra floods
Meanwhile, BNPB has distributed aid to flood and landslide survivors, including food, basic supplies, and operational equipment such as Starlink terminals, generators, polyethylene boats, gas stoves and gas cylinders to help restore mobility and communication.
The Social Affairs Ministry is operating around 30 public kitchens across disaster-affected areas in Sumatra. More than 570 disaster preparedness cadets (Tagana) are producing about 80,000 meal packages per day to support evacuees.
Compensation of Rp15 million will be provided to the families of those killed, while Rp5 million will be given to survivors with severe injuries. Additional assistance is being prepared for residents who lost homes, jobs or livelihoods.
According to BNPB data as of Wednesday morning, the disaster has claimed 753 lives, with 650 people still missing and about 2,600 injured.
Related news: All flood-hit areas in West Sumatra now accessible: governor
Translator: Lintang, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
