Regional Disaster Logistics Warehouses Seen as Key to Faster Community Aid

RRI.CO.ID, Nagekeo - The Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, has proposed that every regency and city establish a disaster logistics warehouse stocked with supplies ready for immediate use.

He presented the proposal to President Prabowo Subianto during a meeting on earthquake relief efforts in East Nusa Tenggara on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Suharyanto emphasized the importance of maintaining local logistics stocks to ensure initial aid can reach affected communities before central government assistance arrives. He noted that empty Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) warehouses had posed a challenge during the response to the recent NTT earthquake.

He suggested that local administrations prepare stocks of basic food items, blankets, tents, and sleeping mats. These supplies do not need to be large in quantity, but should be sufficient to meet residents' immediate needs.

“BNPB strives to reach disaster sites within 24 hours. However, it still takes time for aid from the central government to arrive. Therefore, we recommend that each region maintain its own logistics and buffer stocks so assistance can be provided immediately after a disaster,” he said.

Suharyanto added that having local stocks available could also reduce public complaints about delays in receiving aid while supplies from the central government are still in transit.

President Prabowo responded positively to the proposal and requested that the concept of establishing disaster logistics warehouses in every regency and city be calculated on a national scale as a basis for further government action. (Misni Parjiati)