Government and Private Sector Unite to Provide Food Aid to Flood-Hit Pekalongan Residents
In a time of crisis, ensuring access to food for those affected by disasters becomes a top priority for the government. The goal is to prevent additional hardships, such as food insecurity, from compounding existing challenges. Through a collaborative effort involving various sectors, including private enterprises, the government has taken swift and decisive action to assist the victims.
National Food Agency (NFA) Head Arief Prasetyo Adi emphasized the importance of distributing food aid promptly to reach the affected communities. “Today, I accompanied the Minister of Food Coordination, along with colleagues from state-owned enterprises, associations, and food industry stakeholders, to deliver this food assistance to our brothers and sisters affected by the floods in the Pekalongan region,” stated Arief. The aid was handed out to flood-affected residents of Pesanggrahan Village in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, according to an official NFA statement released on Monday, January 27, 2025.
“This assistance is a tangible demonstration of the government’s solidarity in alleviating the burden on flood-affected communities. Together with relevant agencies, as well as provincial and district governments, we are working in synergy to ensure that the food needs of residents are met during this emergency response period,” he added.
During the distribution event, various food supplies were provided to be distributed to flood-affected residents in Pesanggarahan Village and Bener Sub-district. The donated items included 35 tons of rice, 1.7 tons of chicken eggs, 2,080 boxes of instant foods such as noodles, sausages, vermicelli, and biscuits, 400 packages of staple foods, 160 cases of packaged milk, 180 cases of 12-liter cooking oil, and 2 tons of sugar.
This donation effort was made possible through the collaboration of the Ministry of Food Coordination, NFA, local government authorities, Perum Bulog, ID FOOD, and BRI. Additionally, private sector contributions came from companies such as PT Suri Nusantara Jaya, PT Best Agro International, PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk, PT Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk, PT Pemukasakti Manisindah, PT Incasi Raya Group, PT Malindo Feedmill Indonesia, PT Gunung Madu Plantations, Indofood, PT FKS Food Sejahtera Tbk, and PT Industri Gula Nusantara Kendal. Associations of food industry stakeholders, including the National Livestock Association, the Rice Milling and Rice Entrepreneurs Association of Jakarta, the Livestock Feed Companies Association, and the Egg Farmers Association from Blitar, Kediri, Tulungagung, Ngalam, and Trenggalek, also contributed to the aid efforts.
According to data from the Pekalongan Regency Government, the floods affected four villages in the Wonokerto Sub-district and caused damage to rice fields. As of now, 25 individuals have been displaced, and 21 people have lost their lives.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the Pekalongan flood disaster. He instructed the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to assist and coordinate with local governments and relevant agencies to ensure the swift and targeted distribution of aid.
“I offer my deepest condolences for the flood and landslide disaster in Pekalongan, Central Java, which has resulted in loss of life,” said President Prabowo at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, Jakarta, on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Minister of Food Coordination Zulkifli Hasan highlighted that the aid provided is a testament to the collaborative effort of the government and all stakeholders in the food industry. “We are delivering assistance to our fellow citizens affected by the floods. This aid is the result of our collective efforts from various parties. Hopefully, it can bring some relief,” he stated.
One flood-affected resident, Nurhanah, shared her experience of the flood that forced her family to evacuate. “At 10 PM, the water entered our house. I was asleep, but I woke up immediately and told my husband and children to save our belongings and get ready to evacuate,” she recounted.
She expressed gratitude for the food assistance provided. “We have been staying at the evacuation center for four days since Tuesday. So, this aid is very beneficial for all of us here. We are very thankful and hope that the flood recedes soon so we can return home,” Nurhanah expressed.
Notable figures present at the aid distribution included Acting Governor of Central Java Nana Sudjana, NFA Chief Secretary Sarwo Edhy, Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, and representatives from the Central Java Regional Disaster Management Agency. Other participants included Perum Bulog, ID FOOD, and relevant food industry stakeholders.
