TEMPO.CO, Semarang - Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo has allowed Regional Administration to provide assistance for Lombok earthquake victims in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Tjahjo affirmed a legal framework will be provided for the funding of the assistance.
"We are preparing the legal framework so problems will not occur in the future. For example, [Regional Administration] uses their budget reserves. It is better to be donated, so we make a circular letter stating it is allowed [to make donations using regional budget or APBD], and there will be regulations. No problem," Tjahjo said in Semarang on Thursday, August 23, 2018.
Tjahjo said that the public does not need to question the assistance provided by the central government. The Ministry of Finance and the private sector have been involved in providing assistance, including from the Indonesian Army and the Indonesian National Police.
"NTB regional government has also sent letters to all governors to participate in solidarity to help. There is no governor forum. If possible, the assistance is in the form of money," said Tjahjo.
Tjahjo said regions that has proper disaster mitigation equipment should immediately provide assistance such giving tents to the refugees.
"If BNPB has to make purchases, it would take a long time. If possible, local administration that has spare tents and other goods should hand them over to the NTB regional administration," said Tjahjo.
FITRIA RAHMAWATI
