Indonesian govt boosts training to aid flood recovery

 Indonesia is ramping up vocational training to support medium- and long-term recovery after flash floods in Aceh and North Sumatra, the manpower minister said, as authorities shift focus from emergency aid to economic rebuilding.

Through the Center for Vocational Training and Productivity (BBPVP), Manpower Minister Yassierli said the government is preparing training programs tailored to post-disaster needs, aimed at improving job skills and entrepreneurship.

“We are also improving productivity so communities can regain economic independence,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He stressed that recovery efforts must go beyond initial relief and continue until affected communities are fully restored and empowered to rebuild their livelihoods.

“Disasters may destroy buildings, but not the spirit. This should be a momentum to rise stronger and better prepared for the future,” he said.

Yassierli also called on stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, training institutions and communities, to work together to accelerate recovery and strengthen human resources in the affected regions.

The Ministry of Manpower has so far disbursed Rp32 billion (US$1.8 million) in aid through its Kemnaker Peduli program to support recovery efforts in Aceh and North Sumatra.

The funding includes vocational training for 4,516 people in North Sumatra with a budget of Rp16 billion (US$906,000), and 2,438 people in Aceh with Rp8 billion (US$453,000).

It also covers a labor-intensive program comprising 40 activity packages worth Rp4 billion (US$226,000), aimed at creating temporary jobs and stimulating local economies in disaster-hit areas.

In addition, the ministry is implementing the Independent Worker (TKM) program, providing 400 assistance packages totaling Rp2 billion (US$113,000) to support the establishment of new small businesses.

Further support includes compensation for affected workers amounting to Rp52.5 million (US$2,975), alongside entrepreneurship assistance in the form of training and business capital worth Rp750 million (US$42,000).