Govt Disburses IDR 2.07 Billion in Aid for Disaster Survivors in Bener Meriah

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government has channeled aid totaling IDR 2.07 billion (USD 123,412) to support survivors of ecological disasters in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh. The assistance is designated for 1,242 households, encompassing 4,611 eligible individuals.

Social Affairs Minister, Saifullah Yusuf, remarked that this distribution is part of the government's commitment to accelerating the socio-economic recovery of affected communities. The funds serve as the first phase of a "living guarantee" intended to meet the basic needs of residents during a 30-day emergency response period.

"Following a disaster, many residents see their income come to a halt. This living guarantee ensures their daily needs remain fulfilled during the recovery phase," Minister Saifullah explained in Jakarta on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The disbursement took place between February 16 and 22, 2026, covering ten affected subdistricts, which are Timang Gajah, Wih Pesam, Bukit, Gajah Putih, Pintu Rime Gayo, Bandar, Syiah Utama, Mesidah, Bener Kelipah, and Permata.

The aid was channeled through the Social Affairs Ministry's Directorate for the Social Protection of Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA) to the Bener Meriah Regency Administration. Subsequently, the local administration will distribute the funds directly to recipients in each subdistrict.

Minister Saifullah emphasized that the living guarantee functions as a form of social protection to ensure affected families maintain their purchasing power. This is particularly vital as economic activities remain disrupted by the extreme weather events that hit the region.

The distribution follows the Bener Meriah Regent's Decree No. 360/25/SK/2026. This official decree formalizes the designation of recipients for housing assistance, living guarantees, and economic empowerment for those impacted by extreme weather disasters in 2025.

Nationally, the living guarantee program is part of an adaptive disaster social assistance initiative launched by the Social Affairs Ministry across several affected regions, including Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

The program targets 175,211 beneficiaries, providing IDR 450,000 (USD 26.83) per person per month for a three-month period, a strategic effort to bolster social resilience and help communities rebuild in the aftermath of disaster. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)