December 5, 2025 | 08:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Health has confirmed that neighboring country Malaysia provided medical supplies to victims of the recent fatal disaster in Aceh. This statement was made by Agus Jamaluddin, Head of the Health Crisis Center at the ministry, when he was interviewed at his office in South Jakarta on Friday, December 5, 2025.
Agus clarified that the Malaysian medical aid was provided only at the very beginning of the Sumatra disaster response.
"Yes, it was indeed at the beginning. Of course, we are grateful for the assistance," he said, adding, "However, the aid was channeled through the Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) of the Ministry of Health."
He also noted that the medical supplies from Malaysia underwent a selection process by the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Banda Aceh before being distributed to the disaster victims.
Distribution Challenges and Paralyzed Health Services
Agus highlighted the extreme difficulty of distributing medicine from the central government to the affected areas, especially when trying to penetrate isolated regions where roads were cut off and impassable. He emphasized that the Indonesian government does not restrict access to aid coming from any source.
Currently, the Ministry of Health is focused on distributing essential medicines, vaccines, and necessary healthcare personnel to the disaster locations.
Agus mentioned that during his visits to several disaster zones, he observed that many local health services were paralyzed. Numerous Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) were submerged in mud and are currently non-functional.
"Many Puskesmas are still dirty. When we go there, there is still a lot of mud, so they have to be cleaned first. Once they have been cleaned, then the healthcare services can be reactivated," he explained.
Read: Indonesia's Purbaya Confirms Emergency Budget Ready for Sumatra Flood Response
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
150 Indonesians Facing Death Penalty in Malaysia for Serious Crimes
8 jam lalu
Hundreds of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia are facing the death penalty for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking, murder, and other crimes.
Nearly 80% of Tourist Attractions in Aceh Affected by Floods, Landslides
11 jam lalu
Tourist destinations were not spared from the disasters. Some have been wrecked, exacerbated by blocked roads access.
Batik Air Malaysia Opens New Medan-Penang Flight Route
1 hari lalu
Batik Air Malaysia will open a new flight route from Medan to Penang starting on December 8, 2025.
Ex-PM Mahathir Files Police Report Against Anwar Ibrahim Over Proposed US Trade Deal
1 hari lalu
Mahathir Mohamad reports Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the police regarding the trade deal between Malaysia and the U.S.
Where to Go in JB for the Perfect 24-Hour Getaway
1 hari lalu
Your ultimate guide to where to go in JB! Find iconic sights, picturesque streets, and hidden modern gems for your next adventure.
UN Expresses Condolences Over Southeast Asia Floods, Pledges Aid Support
2 hari lalu
Amid the massive floods that hit Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, the UN expressed its condolences and readiness to send aid.
Search for Missing MH370 Flight to Resume in December
2 hari lalu
Malaysia said deep-sea search operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight will restart on 30 December.
Singaporean Tourists to Benefit from Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur Electric Train Service
2 hari lalu
The electric train route from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur could benefit tourists from Singapore. Operating from December 12, 2025.
Indonesia's Islamic Banking Market Share Lags Behind Malaysia, Saudi Arabia
3 hari lalu
The market share of Islamic banking in Indonesia lags behind compared to other Muslim countries, despite the country having the largest population.
Fact Check: Claim That Malaysia Has No Rice Supply is Misleading
3 hari lalu
Fact check - A video circulating on TikTok claims that Malaysia does not have enough rice to meet the needs of its population.
