Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s interior minister on Wednesday urged regional governments with large unused budgets to help speed up recovery in disaster-hit parts of Sumatra, calling for solidarity to support areas struggling to rebuild after a series of calamities.“I strongly hope that colleagues who still have substantial funds sitting unused will help our brothers and sisters by channeling assistance through their regional leaders, transferring funds and using them for disaster response,” Interior Minister Tito Karnavian said in Jakarta.The message was delivered during a virtual meeting evaluating the realization of 2025 regional budgets, attended by governors, mayors and district heads from across the country and hosted from the Interior Ministry’s headquarters.Tito said several disaster-affected regions, including Aceh Tamiang District and North Aceh District, were facing acute budget constraints, limiting their ability to respond effectively and accelerate post-disaster recovery.Because of that, support from multiple parties, including fellow regional administrations, is essential, he said.Tito stressed that the central government had already provided emergency funding through its contingency budget allocations to affected provinces and districts.However, he added that assistance should not rely solely on Jakarta. Regional governments with strong fiscal capacity also need to step in, especially as data shows some areas still have sizeable budget surpluses toward the end of the year.Tito said he has issued a circular allowing and encouraging regional administrations to provide financial assistance to disaster-hit areas, removing bureaucratic hesitation over inter-regional aid.“Disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. In moments like this, we must foster solidarity among regional governments, especially those with strong finances,” he said.The minister also outlined the state of post-disaster recovery in three affected provinces — Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra — with a total of 52 districts and cities impacted.He said he had seen firsthand the difficulties faced by several regions, particularly Aceh Tamiang, where economic activity has yet to return to normal levels.“Aceh Tamiang, East Aceh, North Aceh, Gayo Lues, Central Aceh and Bener Meriah are super-priority areas that need support,” Tito said.In North Sumatra, regions still requiring assistance include Central Tapanuli District, Sibolga City, North Tapanuli District and Mandailing Natal District.Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, authorities have flagged Agam District, Padang Pariaman District and Tanah Datar District as areas needing special attention, he added.