JAKARTA – A joint disaster relief action for affected regions in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province was demonstrated by the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Kemendes PDT) and the Ministry of Transmigration (Kementrans).

The relief initiative was held as part of the Kesenian Rakyat dalam Kebersamaan Kemerdekaan (Folk Arts in Independence Togetherness) event at the Ministry's parking grounds on Tuesday (August 18, 2026).

The program commenced with a joint prayer led by Lalu Samsul Hakim, Director of Settlement Unit Development and Transmigration Zone Centers.

Following the prayer, Minister of Villages PDT Yandri Susanto and Minister of Transmigration Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanegara presented aid totaling IDR 100 million to be distributed to disaster victims.

Minister Yandri expressed deep condolences and sympathy over the natural disaster striking the NTT region.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences for the disaster that has occurred, and we have mobilized donations to be distributed directly to the victims," Minister Yandri said.

The funds collected are expected to grow further, as affected residents remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The day's Kesenian Rakyat dalam Kebersamaan Kemerdekaan itinerary opened with a joint morning exercise session (senam pagi), followed by fun games participated in by senior executives from both Kemendes PDT and Kementrans.

Attending staff and employees also visited product exhibitions featuring goods produced by Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) and enjoyed traditional culinary offerings.

Minister Yandri praised the event for its ability to foster solidarity and camaraderie between staff members of Kemendes PDT and Kementrans.

"Kemendes PDT and Kementrans form a single entity under the Red and White flag, bringing forward games that cultivate togetherness," Minister Yandri stated.

The activities included traditional games such as sack races, tug-of-war, and balloon running races. These games reinforce the core message frequently emphasized by President Prabowo Subianto: "We are a Superteam, not Superman."

Minister Yandri added that the ministry aims to inspire all personnel to fill the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence with sincere dedication toward advancing villages across the nation.

The Folk Arts program also awarded prizes to winners of various sports tournaments held previously, including basketball, futsal, volleyball, badminton, tug-of-war, and table tennis.

Musician Charly van Houten headlined the grand finale of the event, performing a selection of his signature hit songs.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Villages PDT Ahmad Riza Patria, Deputy Minister of Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi, Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Advisors Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah and Elisa Sumarlin, Secretary-General of Kemendes PDT Taufik Madjid, Secretary-General of Kementrans Edy Gunawan, alongside senior officials from both ministries.

Photo: Wening/Kemendes PDT 
Text: Firman/Kemendes PDT