RRI.CO.ID - President Prabowo Subianto has allocated approximately USD 4.55 million in community assistance for the purchase of Meugang cattle for disaster-affected communities in Aceh. The support was provided ahead of the holy month of Ramadan as part of a recovery effort rooted in local cultural traditions.

1,455 Meugang cattle were symbolically handed over by Minister of Home Affairs and Head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Acceleration Task Force (PRR) for Sumatra, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The assistance covers 19 regencies and cities across Aceh, including Simeulue, which was recently struck by an earthquake.

Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, stated Wednesday, 18 February 2026, that the assistance had been fully prepared for distribution. “The President provided approximately USD 4.55 million for the purchase of cattle and beef distribution across 19 regencies and cities in Aceh, including Simeulue following the recent earthquake,” he said.

He mentioned that the government had issued a circular letter to ensure the timely distribution of the beef. “The distribution is scheduled one day before the start of Ramadan, and more than 3,042 villages must receive a share,” Tito said.

The beef distribution is intended to allow communities to continue observing the Meugang tradition ahead of Ramadan. Meugang is a long-standing Acehnese custom in which families purchase and prepare beef together before Ramadan and major Islamic holidays.

In several disaster-affected areas, residents welcomed the assistance with gratitude. A resident of Geudumbak said the support brought renewed joy amid difficult circumstances.

“A donation from President Prabowo of the Republic of Indonesia. We are truly grateful, especially in times of hardship like this,” the resident said upon receiving the assistance. He added that Meugang is one of the most important traditions in Aceh and symbolizes family unity.

The government hopes the program will not only help meet food needs but also strengthen social solidarity during the recovery period. Through this initiative, authorities aim to preserve cultural traditions while restoring hope for communities as Ramadan approaches.