MAKASSAR (December 25, 2024) – Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) paid a visit to the Lahat Roi Tello Baru Congregation at the Toraja Church in Makassar, which had also been impacted by recent flooding. Gus Ipul expressed his joy at meeting the congregation during the Christmas festivities.

"I am glad to meet you all tonight in this festive mood. "My visit here is to observe the flood situation that has affected Makassar and the surrounding areas," Gus Ipul stated on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Gus Ipul also conveyed President Prabowo’s message to expedite the distribution of aid to flood-affected residents. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that assistance and necessities for evacuees are delivered promptly to various flood-affected areas.

Gus Ipul offered a variety of vital things to the flood-affected church congregation, including ready-to-eat meals, folding mattresses, snacks, family kits, kids' ware, portable tents, and other daily necessities for the evacuees.

In addition to the church, Gus Ipul visited numerous other evacuee shelters in Makassar.

The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has provided flood relief in Makassar in Makassar worth IDR 1,227,167,759. Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Province has received IDR 5,438,909,600 in flood relief.

The flood relief efforts in Makassar included 1,200 ready-to-eat meal packages, 104 children's meal packages, 200 family kits, 250 kids' ware packages, 200 mattresses, 300 blankets, 6 portable tents, 1 multipurpose tents, 50 folding tents, 2 water purifiers, and 800 food packages. Additionally, a public kitchen and essential natural resources were also set up.

Pastor Marthen Luther Ma'dika of the Toraja Church expressed his gratitude for Gus Ipul’s visit, appreciating the MoSA assistance, which he said was immensely helpful to the flood-affected residents.

"The Minister is a wonderful son chosen to help those in need. We are delighted that the Minister is assisting those affected by the floods, and we wish him continued success," added Marthen.

Rudianto Kiding, a resident of Panakkukang Subdistrict in Makassar, was among the flood victims who sought refuge after his home was inundated with water up to one meter high. He and his family, which includes his wife and children, had been sleeping at a relative's home for three days. Although the floodwaters at his home have begun to recede, the house remains dirty and uninhabitable.

Rudianto expressed his gratitude for Gus Ipul’s presence and the aid provided, which he believes will not only aid in logistics but also lift the emotions of those affected by the flood. He thinks Gus Ipul's visit will result in long-term positive outcomes and solutions for the people in his community.

Gus Ipul also handed out snack gift bundles to children at the Toraja Church.

Cakra (8 years old) of Teluk Baro Village, Panakkukang District, expressed his joy after receiving the present from Gus Ipul. "I'm delighted to have received a Christmas gift from the Minister. I hope we meet again," he said.