TNI is Ready to Help the MoSA Build 3T Areas and Provide Disaster Management Support

TNI is Ready to Help the MoSA Build 3T Areas and Provide Disaster Management Support
Writer :
Anindya Tamara
Translator :
Intan Qonita N/Karlina Irsalyana

JAKARTA (February 19, 2023) - The state, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, is mandated by the constitution to fulfill the rights of every citizen, including those who live in frontier, remote and disadvantaged areas (3T). Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini paid serious attention to the state's presence in this region, especially the border areas of Indonesia with various programs.

In the 3T area, the Ministry of Social Affairs is present with social assistance programs and facilities to support quality of life and human resource development. In a meeting with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral TNI Yudo Margono, the Minister of Social Affairs said that in the 3T area, the Ministry of Social Affairs was also building various facilities, including clean water and electricity which were realized through the assistance of clean water, and solar cells for electricity generation.

To the TNI Commander, the Minister of Social Affairs said that the Ministry of Social Affairs faced various challenges while carrying out its duties to fulfill the rights of communities in the 3T area and Indonesia's borders with other countries, for example, Sebatik Island in Nunukan, Mapia Island in Biak, Laut Island in Natuna and many other border areas. Challenges come, both from the transportation and security aspects.

"The Ministry of Social Affairs' duties are in 3T, frontier, remote, disadvantaged. I also want to visit that, but I'm facing security problems. Yesterday there were complaints that the area they lived in had been eroded by aggression. They are worried," said Social Affairs Minister Risma when meeting the TNI Commander at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Friday (17/2).

The Minister of Social Affairs was present to discuss efforts to accelerate the aid distribution and collaborate with TNI programs for the 3T regions.

Apart from being hampered by security constraints, limited transportation is also a serious challenge. The Ministry of Social Affairs distributes food aid and other supporting facilities, including clothing, machines, or other supporting equipment, especially if a disaster occurs.

“Now, I add assistance in case of disaster, including clothes. In the past, we only helped with food. I can't let the children (without assistance), poor thing. That's why I buy children's, women's, and men's clothes," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

Clean water assistance and solar cells for electricity generation must also be distributed immediately to support the survival of the 3T community. To transport clean water and solar cells,  adequate transportation is needed.

"Yesterday someone also said, 'Ma'am, we don't have water'. I said okay sir, I'll help you, how do I get the goods there. It's impossible to ride a helicopter because the maximum load on the plane is only 2.2 tons," she said.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has limited transportation equipment to ensure aid can reach the 3T area. Therefore, the Minister of Social Affairs hopes to establish synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the TNI to overcome the numerous challenges.

Responding to this, TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono welcomed the Ministry of Social Affairs' efforts to improve the welfare of people in Indonesia's border areas.

The TNI, which also has programs in border areas, can collaborate with the Ministry of Social Affairs to develop these areas by preparing materials and deploying members.

"We combine the Ministry of Social Affairs program with the TNI," said Admiral Yudo. Not only programs for border areas, but the TNI will also support the aid distribution for the emergency response situation.

“We have emphasized to the ranks that there is no need for an order from the TNI Commander if there is an emergency response. So, we immediately spread out to conduct evacuation and SAR. In the past, they often waited, there were no orders. Now, I order that if there is an emergency response, there is no need to wait for orders. Carry it out, then I'll give them orders for the legality, especially those that encourage logistics, we're ready to help," said Admiral Yudo.

Admiral Yudo also expressed his readiness to assist the Ministry of Social Affairs with transportation to deliver aid. "Yes, whatever you want to bring, we will facilitate it with warships. But, if the journey is long, just take a boat, there is a place to sleep," said the 1988 AAL alumnus.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs

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