Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian government has disbursed 44 billion rupiah ($2.5 million) to support disaster management efforts in earthquake-affected areas across East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the disbursement on Wednesday, signaling that the central government is prepared to deploy additional financial assistance based on ongoing evaluations on the ground.
“I told the regents [local governments] to use this initial funding first,” Purbaya said in a statement.
“If there is a shortfall, notify us so we can report directly to the President. Additional funds will certainly be allocated for areas hit by disasters of this scale.”
The Finance Ministry, through its Directorate General of Fiscal Balance, continues to monitor the fiscal status of local governments affected by the earthquake to ensure adequate financial support for immediate community relief.
While current operations remain centered on emergency response, the central government has initiated calculations for the repair and post-disaster recovery phases in accordance with standard budgeting procedures.
“The central government has begun calculating requirements and is preparing the necessary budget, subject to the President’s approval,” Purbaya noted, adding that future support will scale based on damage assessments.
Additionally, the ministry is coordinating closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to ensure budget availability for emergency operations so that aid distribution remains swift and targeted.
Translator: Imamatul Silfia, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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