The decision was made after Home Minister Tito Karnavian requested Rp2 billion per affected region during a coordination meeting on Sumatra's disaster response in Aceh Besar, Aceh, on Sunday.
"The 52 districts and cities have dire financial conditions. Perhaps we can help by providing Rp2 billion for regional governments to help the people," Karnavian told the president during the meeting.
Prabowo responded by agreeing to double the amount. "You asked Rp2 billion for each district, I agree to give them Rp4 billion instead," he said.
He then instructed Karnavian to identify the worst-affected province and decided to allocate additional support. "For the worst-affected province, send Rp20 billion," Prabowo added.
The president also urged regional leaders to continue working to ease public suffering from the widespread floods and landslides, while assuring full central government support.
During the meeting, Karnavian highlighted financial challenges in affected areas, noting that contingency funds are running low.
"A region reported they only have Rp75 million in contingency funds," he added.
He explained that while the central government covers food, fuel, electricity, and other major needs, regional authorities must address additional requirements for disaster victims.
Karnavian said he issued a circular instructing regions with surplus funds to assist others impacted by the disaster. The directive pooled Rp34 billion that will be distributed to affected areas.
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 8, the disasters killed 929 people, left 274 missing, and affected millions across 52 districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
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Translator: Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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