Banda Aceh, Aceh – The Aceh provincial government stated that humanitarian assistance from the international community for the Sumatra disaster, particularly Aceh, has been allowed to enter, but only on a non-governmental basis.

"Yes, it is true that international assistance (from NGOs) for the Sumatra disaster can enter," Aceh Provincial Government spokesperson Muhammad MTA said here on Monday.

Based on confirmation made by the Aceh provincial government with the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said, assistance from NGOs has so far been permitted, but foreign government assistance has not.

"There has been no directive regarding government-to-government assistance," MTA said.

Therefore, he said, international NGOs or similar entities are now allowed to provide assistance in post-disaster recovery efforts in Aceh, but they must report to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the Aceh Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Regarding aid in the form of goods or logistics, he continued, reporting procedures must follow disaster management agency regulations, while recovery programs will later be communicated with the central government and Aceh administration.

This is because such programs must be aligned with the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan, which will be prepared by the Aceh provincial government under the supervision of the central government.

He emphasized that various post-disaster recovery measures continue to be carried out by the Aceh provincial government, including the governor's direct visits to affected areas to formulate strategic and integrated steps.

"On several occasions, the Aceh governor has always hoped that all of us, with our respective strengths and limitations, will remain united to accelerate this recovery for affected communities across the province," MTA said.

Source: https://en.antaranews.com/news/397369/govt-allows-assistance-from-international-ngos-to-enter-ace