Jakarta. The Agriculture Ministry moved to clarify public concerns over the data on relief aid for disaster-hit areas in Sumatra, saying the government’s rice assistance has reached 1,200 tons worth Rp 16 billion ($958,000) far above the Rp 1.3 billion figure that circulated online.

Moch Arief Cahyono, head of the ministry’s Communications and Public Information Bureau, said the ministry welcomed the scrutiny from the public, particularly from social media users who helped ensure accountability in the distribution process.

“The Rp 1.3 billion figure came from an early internal document that did not include complete volume information,” Arief said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday. “The 21,874 figure shown in that document refers to rice packages, each containing five kilograms. We have corrected this to prevent further misunderstanding.”

Arief emphasized that the ministry did not purchase the relief goods using its own budget. All items were contributed directly by partners and donors, with the ministry’s role limited to distributing the aid to affected regions.

Given the scale of assistance involved, he said the ministry is strengthening internal oversight, particularly through the Inspectorate General, to ensure every stage of handling and distribution remains transparent and auditable.

Arief reiterated the ministry’s commitment to accuracy and accountability, stressing that relief must reach those most affected.

“We are open to criticism and correction,” he said. “Every rupiah of donated goods will be accounted for and audited. What matters most now is ensuring the assistance truly reaches our brothers and sisters in need.”

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