Addressing the press in Jakarta on Monday, Baznas Head Noor Achmad pointed out that 53 of the disaster relief posts are staffed by doctors and nurses, offer psychosocial services, and operate public kitchens to meet the needs of victims.
He added that through the public kitchens, Baznas has distributed more than 2.1 million portions of meals to citizens that are still reeling from the impact of the widespread, devastating disasters that struck in late November.
"Praise be to God, we have also brought nutritious meals, including high-quality beef rendang, to disaster-hit people in Aceh. Our initiative has brought joy to residents there, as well as those in West Sumatra," Achmad stated.
He went on to report that the state philanthropic agency has so far collected over Rp43 billion (approx. US$2.5 million) in charitable funds donated by citizens across various regions to finance disaster response efforts in the three Sumatra provinces.
Of the total funds, he continued, around Rp30 billion has been distributed to those in need in the form of school supplies, food, medicines, and clothing.
The official further said that his agency has set a target of raising and mobilizing Rp60 billion (US$3.5 million) in relief funds for the emergency response period, with the figure projected to hit Rp500 billion (nearly US$30 million) in the reconstruction phase.
Achmad also highlighted Baznas' plan to provide modular houses to disaster victims in South Tapanuli District, North Sumatra.
“Each modular housing unit costs Rp72 million (US$4,300). Our plan is to create a pilot site featuring a mosque and classrooms measuring 6x6 meters,” he explained.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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