Saturday, 02 May 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has dispatched 22 containers of humanitarian aid to communities affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North, and West Sumatra. The shipments aim to provide essential food and supplies to thousands of citizens in urgent need, easing the burden on disaster victims ahead of Ramadan 1447 Hijri.
Polri Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Chairwoman of Commission IV of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR RI), Siti Hediati Hariyadi, symbolically launched the aid convoy under the motto "Polri for the People" on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Medan, North Sumatra. The ceremony was attended by senior police officials, North Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Whisnu Hermawan Februanto, and North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution."Approximately 40,000 people will benefit from this aid. We hope this is part of our continued efforts to support citizens affected by disasters. It also demonstrates the state's concrete presence to ensure victims receive protection and attention," said Listyo Sigit.
The aid includes ready-to-eat meals, staple foods, clothing, medicines, and other basic necessities tailored to the urgent needs of displaced communities.Gradual Distribution: 22 Containers for Sumatra
The 22 containers were sent in stages from Tanjung Priok Port to Medan and Bireuen. Ten containers are designated for North Sumatra, while twelve are headed to Aceh.The supplies will first be stored in warehouses in Medan and Bireuen before being distributed to various refugee camps. From Bireuen, the aid will reach areas including Lhokseumawe, Aceh Utara, Aceh Tengah, Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Gayo Lues, and Bener Meriah.
Collaboration Between Polri, TNI, and Local AuthoritiesDistribution is carried out in a coordinated and transparent manner. Polri works closely with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), local governments, and volunteers to ensure safety during emergency response and reconstruction efforts, strengthening public trust in authorities.
Siti Hediati Hariyadi praised the police for their dedication and highlighted the reopening of bridges in West Sumatra, which had previously blocked community access."We sincerely thank Polri. With restored connectivity, mobility and the regional economy are revived," Hariyadi added.
Disasters Force Evacuations and Infrastructure RepairsAccording to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), natural disasters in parts of Sumatra have claimed hundreds of lives, destroyed thousands of infrastructures, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, affecting hundreds of thousands more.
Polri's swift response under the "Polri for the People" initiative demonstrates a citizen-oriented police force that prioritizes service and care. The humanitarian shipments aim to help affected communities gradually rebuild their lives. (IDNC)
