Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the kitchens have been placed strategically near easy access to supply routes to ensure raw materials can be delivered quickly and cooking can start immediately.
“We established these public kitchens in cooperation with local disaster agencies (BPBD) and community groups.The communities run the kitchens independently; we supply the food ingredients,” he said.
The 39 kitchens have capacity to produce 420,000 meals per day, enough for three meals daily for thousands of evacuees, according to Yusuf.
In addition to providing food, the ministry is purchasing essential supplies, coordinating with the military, national police and the disaster response agency (BNPB) to maintain logistics support.
“The kitchens have been operating for the past week. The number of beneficiaries changes each day as some evacuees return home and new arrivals continue. Many areas remain isolated, but recovery is gradually underway," the minister said.
Related news: Ministry sets up 30 public kitchens for Sumatra floods relief
The government has mobilized 648 disaster preparedness cadets (Tagana) in the three provinces to help manage the kitchens. Their duties include buying supplies, distributing materials, coordinating cooking, and, in some locations, providing psychosocial support for victims.
In some areas, Tagana staff and volunteers also assist with emotional support programs for trauma-affected families.
As of December 8, the national disaster agency (BNPB) reported 929 dead and 274 missing due to the floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, affecting millions of residents across 52 districts and cities.
The disasters have also caused widespread destruction: more than 155,200 houses have been damaged or destroyed, along with schools, health clinics, places of worship, government offices — and more than 400 bridges.
The ministry’s public kitchens aim to ensure that even as reconstruction begins, victims’ immediate needs for food and support are met, officials say.
Related news: Sumatra flood: Prabowo inspects public kitchens in Central Tapanuli
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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