“I urge BNPB and all parties involved in disaster relief to request funds immediately if needed. Our financing is ready,” Purbaya said in Jakarta on Friday.
The minister stressed that disaster victims urgently require assistance to meet their basic needs.
He emphasized that agencies responsible for disaster management must act quickly and submit budget requests for essential recovery measures, including equipment procurement, bridge repairs, and the construction of both temporary and permanent housing.
“The people affected by these disasters must not wait too long,” he added, assuring that Indonesia has sufficient fiscal space to cover recovery costs.
As of the end of 2025, BNPB still held approximately Rp1.5 trillion (US$89.6 million) in its disaster relief budget.
On December 18, 2025, the agency had already requested an additional Rp1.4 trillion, including Rp650 billion earmarked specifically for Sumatra.
Currently, total ready-to-use funds stand at Rp1.51 trillion.
Purbaya also highlighted the need for disaster relief funds to be requested not only by BNPB but also by the Bridge Emergency Task Force, which was established to construct emergency bridges in remote and disaster-hit areas.
Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, who coordinates the task force, previously noted that several bridge projects in Sumatra had been carried out independently, with some even incurring debt.
In response, Purbaya confirmed that the task force is eligible to request up to Rp1 trillion from BNPB’s remaining disaster relief budget.
These funds can be used to settle outstanding debts and reimburse expenses related to bridge construction and heavy equipment procurement.
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Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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