INDONESIAN GOV’T MOBILISES MASSIVE RESOURCES FOR SUMATRA DISASTER RESPONSE

JAKARTA, Dec 16 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- The Indonesian government has mobilised national resources on a massive scale to address the impact of disasters in three provinces on Sumatra, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said on Tuesday.

"The massive deployment of resources reflects Indonesia's capacity as a strong country and its ability to handle disasters using its own strength," Wijaya told ANTARA.

Speaking after a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace on December 15, Wijaya said President Prabowo Subianto outlined seven key measures for disaster response in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

First, the government will immediately construct temporary shelters and permanent housing for affected communities. Construction of 2,000 housing units began on Sunday, he said, citing the President.

Second, Prabowo said funding for disaster response has been secured through the state budget.

Third, the central government has disbursed operational funds directly to affected regional governments, separate from the disaster recovery budget.

All governors of the affected provinces received Rp20 billion (around US$1.2 million), while regional heads in 52 affected districts and cities each received Rp4 billion.

"Three days after my instruction, the funds had reached all districts," Wijaya quoted Prabowo as saying.

Fourth, around 1,000 units of heavy equipment, including trucks, excavators, and clean water tankers, have been deployed to disaster-hit areas.

Additional equipment and water supplies were sent on Sunday to support clean water availability in affected communities.

Fifth, 50 bailey bridges are under construction, with seven already completed.

Sixth, around 50,000 military and police personnel have been deployed to assist evacuees in disaster-affected areas.

Seventh, 50 helicopters and several transport aircraft have been deployed to distribute logistics by air to affected regions.

--BERNAMA-ANTARA