Minister Ensures Fair Distribution of Disaster Relief

Banjar: Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has emphasized that the central government is ensuring fair and equal distribution of assistance to all flood victims across affected regions.

“We are providing cash assistance to households whose furniture was swept away by the floods. Homes that suffered damage are compensated based on the level of destruction, along with other forms of social assistance,” Yusuf said while inspecting flood-affected areas in Sungai Tabuk Sub-district on Sunday.

He said that the assistance scheme implemented in South Kalimantan follows the same national standards applied in Sumatra, with adjustments based on the severity and classification of flood damage.

“The government treats all victims equally. There is no discrimination. Assistance is provided according to the conditions experienced by each affected household,” Yusuf said, as quoted by Antara, Monday, January 5, 2026.

Yusuf added that homes suffering severe damage will be repaired at their original locations whenever possible. If on-site reconstruction is not feasible, local governments will facilitate relocation for residents who agree to move.

During the emergency response period, he said both central and regional governments continue to closely monitor flood-affected areas to ensure that residents’ urgent needs are adequately met.

The minister noted that the government has deployed integrated response teams supported by a structured and well-coordinated disaster management mechanism. These teams are also tasked with coordinating and distributing assistance from various stakeholders to ensure it reaches flood victims effectively.

During his visit to Banjar District, Yusuf observed that water levels in several residential areas remained high.

“We are waiting for the water to recede. Officers remain on standby on site to anticipate potential risks. This situation requires collective efforts,” he said.