Enviro News Asia, Padang — The Forum Komunikasi Masyarakat Perhutanan Indonesia (FKMPI) has distributed humanitarian assistance to communities affected by floods and landslides in Lubuk Tempurung, Kuranji Sub-district, Padang City, West Sumatra, as part of the Forestry Sector Disaster Response Program addressing hydrometeorological disasters across Sumatra.
The assistance aims to ease the burden on affected residents while strengthening coordination among stakeholders in disaster response efforts. Prior to this activity, FKMPI had delivered similar aid packages to disaster-affected communities in Aceh and North Sumatra.
The relief distribution was carried out by FKMPI, a collaborative forum comprising Asosiasi Pengusaha Hutan Indonesia (APHI), APKI, APKINDO, ISWA, ASMINDO, ILWA, and HIMKI. The assistance was formally handed over by APHI Chairman Soewarso to Kuranji Village Head Syafrizal M., SH. The handover was accompanied by FKMPI Secretary Tjipta Purwita, APHI Secretary General Purwadi Soeprihanto, APHI Public Relations and Cooperation Committee Chair Sugijanto, and APHI Riau Regional Secretariat representatives.
The Disaster Response Program was implemented in collaboration with forestry student organizations, including Sylva Indonesia from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Barat and the International Forestry Student Association Indonesia from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Student volunteers were deployed to assist with on-site distribution and to help ensure timely delivery of aid to affected households.
Relief items distributed to residents included sleeping mattresses, gas stoves and cylinders, kitchen utensils, and basic food packages. The assistance was prepared based on coordination with local authorities and assessments of the most urgent post-flood needs.
APHI Chairman Soewarso stated that the humanitarian action reflects the forestry sector’s social responsibility. “The floods affecting communities in Padang are a call for us to be present and provide direct assistance. This support represents not only logistical aid but also empathy and solidarity,” he said.
FKMPI Secretary Tjipta Purwita emphasized the forum’s role in consolidating upstream and downstream forestry stakeholders in disaster response efforts. “Through FKMPI, disaster response programs can be carried out effectively by aligning forestry stakeholders with government-led initiatives,” he noted.
Kuranji Village Head Syafrizal M., SH, expressed appreciation for the assistance provided, stating that the support would help communities recover more quickly following the disaster.
FKMPI affirmed that similar humanitarian actions will continue as part of its commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters across Indonesia. (*)
