MoSA Extends Aid and Establishes Public Kitchen for Demak Flood Victims

DEMAK (15 February 2024) – Floods in Demak Regency inundated seven districts, affecting tens of thousands of people. The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has provided logistics since 8 February 2024. The MoSA then supplied extra logistics, including food, clothing, and public facilities, which were distributed through the MoSA’s Warehouse at the Margo Laras Center and the Central Java Provincial Social Office on Saturday (10/2).

Acting Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims, M. Delmi, stated that the MoSA already supplied logistical aid from the warehouse at Kartini Center in Temanggung on 8 February 2024. "Previously aid was sent on 8 February, and then added on Saturday, 10 February 2024," he said.

Delmi explained that the additional assistance included 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes, 1,000 packages of children's food, 200 mattresses, 100 family kits, 100 packages of kidswear, 200 blankets, 100 packages of adult clothing, 100 packages of children's clothing, and two multi-purpose tents. Aside from that, there are new additions from the Central Java Social Office warehouse, including 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 30 mattresses, 20 portable family tents, and two portable toilets.

To meet food needs, Delmi stated that the MoSA is working with the Demak Regency Social Office to establish a public kitchen capable of making thousands of packs of food for 28 points and ingredients for two points. In addition to local government aid, MoSA collaborates with the Jepara Regency Social Office to establish a public kitchen.

Three public kitchens have been built, producing between 5,000 and 8,000 packages of rice every day for breakfast and lunch.

Meanwhile, Delmi stated that the primary priority remained on rescuing individuals stranded in the flood. "There are still many residents who choose to stay in their homes, especially in the Tanggulangin Bridge area," he said.

In handling the Demak floods, MoSA is also collaborating with the Central Java Provincial Social Office, Social Office and Tagana of Demak, Jepara, Kudus, Rembang, Pati, Sragen, Surakarta Regencies and Tagana Task Force (6 Personnel), Regional Board for Disaster Management (BPBD) of Demak Regency, Scouts and other social pillars.