State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, who also serves as presidential spokesperson, made the remarks when asked about the possibility of international assistance should Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra be declared a national disaster zone.
“For now, no. We are not opening that option. But we extend our gratitude to many friendly countries for their attention,” Prasetyo told reporters after a press briefing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.
He said the government appreciates expressions of concern and offers of direct aid from partner nations, but insists Indonesia remains capable of responding to the crisis with existing resources, including adequate food stocks and fuel distribution to affected areas.
“We believe the government is still fully able to address all the challenges we face,” Prasetyo said.
On food supplies, the government maintains that stocks are secure. For fuel, authorities have coordinated with state energy firm Pertamina to keep shipments flowing to disaster-hit areas, including via air if needed.
Air delivery of fuel is “not normal,” Prasetyo acknowledged, but necessary given the scale of the damage on the ground.
Related news: Indonesia extends weather-modification ops to keep aid flights moving
At the same briefing, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said the government is ensuring the steady delivery of aid to communities struck by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
“The government continues to ensure that essential services reach all disaster zones,” he said at the Sumatra Disaster Aid Command Post at Halim.
Pratikno said more than 500,000 tons of relief packages have been dispatched so far to several affected regions.
“We have sent over 500,000 tons of aid from multiple sources, including food staples, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, tents, blankets and other direct support for residents — even in areas where access roads are cut,” he said.
He added that coordination among ministries and agencies is being strengthened to maintain smooth distribution of logistics and support ongoing search efforts.
Related news: Indonesian govt boosts aid flow to flood-hit Sumatra provinces
Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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