Jakarta (ANTARA) - Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya assured the public that the central and local governments have been working tirelessly to evacuate victims and implement swift emergency measures since floods and landslides struck Sumatra in late November.
During a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday, he highlighted President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's repeated visits to disaster-affected regions to directly assess the response efforts and the condition of victims.
President Prabowo has visited Aceh three times to review the situation in six regions and twice each in districts and cities in North Sumatra and West Sumatra. Meanwhile, Vice President Gibran has made two post-disaster trips to Sumatra.
Wijaya further remarked that, under the president's order, the government has promptly responded to public voices, including by installing temporary bridges within one week.
Moreover, he continued, the head of state has recently chaired a coordination meeting on disaster response, bringing together around 15 ministers and relevant officials, and conducted firsthand inspections on affected regions shortly after land access has been restored.
Furthermore, he assured the public that the government has instructed the military, police, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), and other institutions to mobilize resources on a large scale, including more than 50,000 personnel in total.
Acknowledging the government's shortcomings, Wijaya reiterated the need for all elements of the nation, including the media, to foster synergy for a swift recovery and to refrain from counterproductive actions.
"Please convey statements and questions prudently, and avoid narratives suggesting that the government is not working," he told reporters.
He emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy to help disaster-affected residents recover quickly from the major floods and landslides, calling on the media to support the government's ongoing disaster response efforts by fostering public optimism about a swift recovery.
"You can help in this situation by uplifting the people, nurturing optimism, and bringing smiles and laughter. Let us all work hand in hand, look after each other, and spread positive energy," Wijaya stated.
