Prabowo targets NTT reforestation and regional disaster logistics

During a coordination meeting in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), President Prabowo Subianto outlined several development and disaster preparedness initiatives for the region and Indonesia at large.

To address environmental degradation, Prabowo set a target to restore deforested areas in NTT within a decade. The plan involves establishing provincial and district-level nurseries and implementing permaculture to improve water retention. This reforestation effort will be supported by the central government, universities, and research institutions like BRIN.

Regarding disaster management, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has proposed that every district and city establish dedicated logistics warehouses. This follows observations from recent earthquakes in NTT where local disaster mitigation agencies (BPBD) lacked sufficient buffer stocks. The BNPB estimates that each region requires between Rp5 billion and Rp10 billion in essential supplies, such as food, tents, and blankets, to ensure rapid response during the initial phases of a disaster.

Additionally, the President committed to a phased development approach for NTT, extending from the provincial level down to individual villages, to improve local productivity and welfare. He also confirmed the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program in the region to support the health of children, pregnant women, and the elderly.