Aceh Agriculture Recovery Accelerated Amidst Disaster Relief Efforts

The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) and the Aceh Provincial Government are collaborating to expedite the recovery of the agricultural and plantation sectors in Aceh, which were impacted by hydrometeorological disasters. Moch Arief Cahyono, Head of the Communication and Information Services Bureau at Kementan, affirmed that the Aceh government's explanation of the recovery mechanism aligns with the ministry's data, indicating good communication between the two entities.

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The explanation provided by the Aceh Provincial Government is accurate and aligns with the data we possess. This demonstrates good communication between Kementan and the Aceh Provincial Government, reflecting the close relationship between the Minister and the Governor.

Aceh has been allocated a total of Rp 1.7 trillion for agricultural recovery. Of this amount, Rp 530 billion has been directly channeled to the region for land optimization and paddy field rehabilitation through "Tugas Pembantuan" funds. The remaining Rp 1.2 trillion is managed by central Kementan units and offices, providing agricultural machinery and seeds for rice, corn, and other commodities directly to farmers in Aceh.

However, the disbursement of these funds faces significant delays. While the Rp 530 billion allocated for direct regional activities was expected to be completed by June, only 48% has been realized. Similarly, the Rp 1.2 trillion managed centrally has seen only 25% absorption. The primary reason for this delay is the slow submission and incomplete administration of "candidate farmer, candidate location" (CPCL) data from local governments, which is essential for fund release.

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The Minister fundamentally wants to invite all parties to accelerate the realization of these central unit budgets. This is a shared responsibility because the benefits are eagerly awaited by farmers in Aceh.

Kementan emphasizes the urgency of accelerating fund utilization, as the remaining funds will be returned to the state treasury if not disbursed by the end of the year. Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has also personally allocated around Rp 40 billion from his own funds as a gesture of concern for the people of Aceh, which has already been distributed as aid following the disasters. The ministry urges all parties to work together to ensure the timely and optimal benefit of these funds for the affected farmers.

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The remaining budget is still around Rp 1.1 trillion, and there is not much time left. Absorption is only 25 percent, and we must work together to resolve this immediately.