In a limited meeting on the progress of the construction of 600 houses on Thursday, President Prabowo Subianto stated that all donations from the public, communities, and diaspora must first be submitted to the government to be managed and distributed appropriately.
"We cannot refuse assistance from parties who are willing to help. As long as the assistance is clear, as I said earlier to those who are making donations, please do so. Please write a letter saying, 'I'm donating this, and we'll report it to the central government.' We will distribute it if they do indeed help," he remarked.
Prabowo emphasized that a formal mechanism is needed to ensure that aid reaches the affected communities and does not cause problems later.
He added that the government seeks to prevent aid distribution from causing problems due to unclear procedures.
He cited aid as an example, stating that aid could come from various parties, including the Acehnese, Minangkabau, and Batak diaspora, as well as other Indonesian communities abroad who are willing to help.
Prabowo conveyed that all such aid would be facilitated through a scheme mutually agreed upon by the central and regional governments. If possible, a special account could also be opened for post-disaster aid, allowing the public to channel aid directly under supervision.
However, he reminded that all aid must be given sincerely and wholeheartedly, without any vested interests or demands.
"We are not refusing aid, but the mechanisms and procedures must be clear, and it must be done sincerely. Because we've experienced it before, when we've received assistance, there are always those who demand it back," he added.
The president is currently in Aceh to inspect the structure and facilities of a housing complex developed by BPI Danantara, known as Rumah Hunian Danantara, in Kebun Tj Seumantoh, Karang Baru, Aceh Tamiang, Aceh.
The housing complex is being built to accommodate residents affected by the landslide and flash floods in the region in late November last year.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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