Wednesday, 17 June 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Aceh provincial government has expressed its gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for providing funds to finance Meugang cattle for 19 districts and cities affected by natural disasters and earthquakes.
This assistance aims to ease the burden on residents while preserving the traditional Meugang celebration ahead of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
Preserving the Meugang Tradition Ahead of Ramadan
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Meugang is a long-standing Acehnese tradition in which cattle or buffaloes are slaughtered, prepared, and shared with family, relatives, and orphans the day before Ramadan. Governor Muzakir Manaf highlighted that the aid reflects the president's rapid response to the community's request.
"Alhamdulillah, the President responded swiftly to the people of Aceh. The funds for purchasing Meugang cattle were transferred directly to the regions. On behalf of the Aceh government and residents, we sincerely thank the President," Muzakir Manaf said on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Swift Central Government Response
Governor Muzakir Manaf explained that he requested the Meugang cattle assistance from President Prabowo, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, and Finance Minister Purbaya after assessing the severe damage on the ground.
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"The Meugang tradition holds great significance for Acehnese people in preparation for Ramadan," Muzakir Manaf added.
Considering the affected communities and the approaching fasting month, he urged urgent support to ensure the tradition continues as in previous years.
Direct Fund Transfers and Targeted Distribution
The total assistance of IDR 72,750,000,000 was directly transferred via the President to the Presidential Secretariat, and subsequently to the 19 affected districts and cities. Local governments are responsible for purchasing cattle according to the allocated funds in their local treasury accounts (RKUD).
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Governor Manaf emphasized the importance of fair, organized, and targeted distribution, prioritizing disaster-affected residents and those in temporary shelters. The Aceh government plans to ensure all aid is distributed no later than the day before Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
19 Districts and Cities Benefiting
The aid will reach Lhokseumawe, Aceh Tamiang, Pidie Jaya, East Aceh, Bireuen, Langsa, North Aceh, West Aceh, Pidie, Central Aceh, Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues, Southeast Aceh, Aceh Singkil, Subulussalam, Aceh Besar, Nagan Raya, South Aceh, and Simeulue.
"Simeulue was recently hit by an earthquake. The aid will also support the affected population there," Muzakir Manaf noted.
The Aceh government hopes the assistance will directly benefit residents, particularly during the Meugang celebration and Ramadan, and demonstrates the government's presence in crisis-affected areas.
Vice Governor Thanks President Prabowo
Vice Governor Fadhlullah also expressed his gratitude. "Alhamdulillah, the President approved the Aceh government and community's request for Meugang cattle assistance, and the funds have been transferred today. We sincerely thank President Prabowo," Fadhlullah said.
He urged mayors and district heads to immediately use the assistance to purchase cattle according to RKUD allocations. Following distribution, all districts must submit photos, videos, and short reports on implementation to Aceh's Regional Isra Secretariat office.
"These reports must be submitted no later than three days after Ramadan and then presented to the President," Fadhlullah stressed. (IDNC)
