JAKARTA (May 9, 2022) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini emphasized the important role of leaders and staff at the Centers belonging to the Ministry of Social Affairs in handling disasters. One of the important aspects of disaster management is the preparation of social granaries.

 

“So far, we feel awkward because not all Centers can handle disasters. But with the training that has been given, employees and staff in all Centers should understand how to improve preparedness in handling disasters. This includes sending immediate buffer stock, disaster equipment, and other disasters needed to disaster locations," said the Minister at her office (09/05).

 

Preparedness in disaster management by MoSA’s center is related to the multifunctional services mandated in the new Organizational Structure and Governance (SOTK).

 

Disaster management is an important concern of the Minister of Social Affairs, in line with the high potential for disasters in Indonesia. On the other hand, disaster-affected areas are often located in locations with limited access. Therefore, the rapid movement of the MoSA’s Centers spread across various regions is important to ensure that aid is immediately received by disaster-affected communities.

 

MoSA does have a logistics warehouse in Makassar. However, the logistics warehouse is still quite far from the disaster site, for example, when the disaster occurred in the Selayar Islands. So it takes a long time to get to the disaster site.

 

“By boat, it takes 16 hours to Selayar. But now we are building a social granary there with various disaster tools. Thus, in the event of an emergency, we are ready at any time,” she said.

 

Built-in a nearby location, the social granary can ensure that disaster-affected communities have access to the various facilities needed. The social granary does not only contain logistics and food needs, but also some necessities that support the continuity of the social life of the disaster-affected community.

 

In addition to food, social granaries can also be in the form of generators, fuel, rubber boats, water purifiers, water pumps, family tents, water tendons, kids' ware, food ware, and necessities.

 

No less important, the Minister also emphasized the urgency of the leadership and staff at the center to improve coordination with regional governments and other relevant agencies. Thus, it is hoped that the plan can be harmonized and run effectively in the field.