Agriculture Ministry Rushes $75.4 Billion in Food Aid to NTT Disaster Victims

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has rapidly deployed 5,386 tons of food aid, valued at approximately 75.4 billion rupiah ($75.4 million), to communities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) affected by recent earthquakes. Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman ordered the immediate dispatch of the aid, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting affected populations.

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In conditions like these, the state is present and moves quickly. We ensure that rice aid is distributed to help meet the food needs of the earthquake-affected community in East Nusa Tenggara.

The assistance, primarily consisting of rice, is designated for four regencies: Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ngada, and Sikka. This includes both disaster-specific relief and regular food provisions. Specifically, Manggarai received 31.63 tons for disaster relief and 1,799 tons of regular aid, while East Manggarai received 153 tons for disaster relief and 1,661 tons of regular aid. Ngada received 8.06 tons for disaster relief and 444.21 tons of regular aid, and Sikka received 6.88 tons for disaster relief and 1,281.36 tons of regular aid. The total rice allocated for disaster relief alone amounts to 200.35 tons.

Minister Amran, who also heads the National Food Agency, stressed the importance of close coordination between the ministry, state logistics company Bulog, and regional governments. This collaboration aims to ensure the aid effectively reaches all affected residents, particularly those facing logistical challenges due to the disaster's impact.

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Our priority is the community. Aid must reach those in need, especially those who have lost their homes, face limited access, or are in directly impacted areas. We will continue to coordinate with regional governments and all relevant parties to ensure the availability and distribution of food remains secure.

"Our priority is the community. Aid must reach those in need, especially those who have lost their homes, face limited access, or are in directly impacted areas," Amran stated. He added that the government's support extends beyond the emergency response phase, ensuring continued access to food supplies for residents even after the immediate crisis subsides. The ministry aims to assure affected communities that they are not alone during this difficult period.

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Food handling in disaster situations cannot stop at emergency aid. We must also ensure that the community continues to have access to food after the emergency response period. Therefore, disaster aid and regular food aid are maintained simultaneously.