Disaster Victims’ Rights: Get to Know the Social Assistance and Compensation You Are Entitled to Receive from the Government

NoLimit Indonesia – As the floodwaters recede, leaving behind a trail of mud, trauma and crippling financial losses, a fundamental question arises in every victim’s mind, who will help us rise? In the midst of post-disaster chaos, citizens’ rights to receive assistance and compensation from the government are often neglected, swallowed up by panic.

However, under the umbrella of Indonesian law, post-disaster recovery is not a burden that must be borne alone. The state has an obligation to attend.

Legal Basis: State Promises in Law for Disaster Victims

The main basis for every disaster victim, including floods, is Law Number 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management (UU PB). This regulation not only regulates the evacuation process, but explicitly guarantees residents’ rights to obtain basic needs, protection and immediate recovery.

Operationally, this responsibility is carried out by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) at the central level and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in their respective regions. This institution is tasked with activating the assistance mechanism immediately after the Disaster Emergency Response status is determined by the Regional Head.

Direct Assistance Category: Basic Needs and Health

In the Emergency Response phase, the main rights of victims are Logistics and Health Services. Victims have the right to:

• Food Logistics: In the form of ready-to-eat food, clean water, and public kitchen needs coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and BPBD.
• Protection and Clothing: Provision of appropriate refugee tents, blankets, mattresses and changes of clothes.
• Free Health Services: At health posts, victims have the right to receive examinations, medicines and preventive measures for post-flood diseases such as leptospirosis. No less important, Psychosocial Support services or trauma healing must also be provided to restore the mental condition of survivors.

Home Repair Stimulant Assistance (BSPR)

Once the condition stabilizes, the focus shifts to home. This is the most vital part of compensation: Home Repair Stimulant Assistance (BSPR). This cash assistance is distributed by the government (through BNPB and the PUPR Ministry) based on the level of damage suffered:

1. Severely Damaged (RB): Houses that have to be demolished and rebuilt.
2. Moderately Damaged (RS): Homes that require significant structural repairs.
3. Light Damage (RR): House with minor damage.

It is important to remember: BSPR is not full compensation, but rather a stimulant fund to encourage victims to rebuild their homes, with the amount determined by technical regulations and verified by the assessment team.

Apart from that, for families who have lost members, condolence compensation is usually prepared by the local regional government as a form of non-material compensation. Meanwhile, for personal assets such as vehicles or electronics, full compensation by the government is usually not available, although assistance for the recovery of the small business or agricultural sectors is often provided.

Disaster Victim Assistance Application Flow

The first step is data collection. Immediately report yourself and your assets to local village/sub-district officials or BPBD officers on duty. Make sure your name is listed as an affected victim.

The next crucial step is Damage Verification and Validation (Verval). The technical team will go to the location to determine the damage category to your home (RB/RS/RR). Personal documentation (photos, videos) is very helpful in this verification process.

Once verification is complete and funds are approved, BSPR is usually disbursed through the recipient’s dedicated bank account, ensuring transparency in disbursement.

The biggest obstacle faced by victims is administration. Losing your KTP, KK or house certificate during a flood often slows down the assistance process. Victims have the right to demand that the Regional Government activate the Emergency Population Administration (Adminduk) Service to make it easier to process lost documents.

Recovery Key Transparency

Post-flood recovery is a marathon, isn’t it? run fast. By understanding the PB Law and the mechanisms involved, victims will not only become passive recipients, but also become active monitors.

Knowing your rights is power. This ensures that state-mandated aid and compensation is distributed on target, becoming the main pillar for Indonesian families to rise from the mud and rebuild their lives.