Tito calls for stronger regional cooperation on disaster response

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian has called on regional governments to strengthen collaboration to help disaster-affected regions.

He said that Indonesia’s geographical condition makes it inherently prone to natural disasters across its regions, given its high concentration of active volcanoes, vast marine territories, and extensive river systems.

“Disasters can strike anywhere at any time. This is why we need collaboration,” Tito said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday.

He made the remarks after attending the 2026 Batch II Java-Bali High-Performing Regional Government Awards in Badung District, Bali, on Friday (August 28).

According to Tito, these conditions need to be addressed with inter-regional solidarity, where regional governments with greater resources step up to assist those struggling with the aftermath of disasters.

The minister expressed appreciation to several local authorities that have provided aid to disaster-hit regions, including those affected by late-2025 floods and landslides in Sumatra and a recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

He said many regions have dispatched aid, with several regional leaders even visiting the affected areas in person.

Tito underscored that inter-regional assistance does not always need to be massive in scale. When resources are combined, contributions from various local governments can deliver significant relief to the survivors.

"I hope our inter-regional solidarity in helping one another during times of disaster becomes a tradition,” he said.

In addition to encouraging collaboration among regions, he also affirmed the central government's continuous support for disaster response, including in Sumatra and NTT.

For instance, in Sumatra, the government has provided budgetary support, including additional Transfers to Regions (TKD). Meanwhile, in NTT, Rp200 billion (approximately US$11.2 million) has been allocated in additional Unexpected Expenditure (BTT) funds.

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Translator: Fianda Sjofjan, Raka Adji
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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