InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Amid the grief blanketing several regions of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following the impact of a tropical cyclone, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has launched a humanitarian initiative called GAPKI Peduli. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the association sent relief aid to victims affected by floods and landslides.
“Solidarity is not a ceremony but a moral calling of the nation,” said Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman during a donation drive in Jakarta, Thursday (4/12/2025). In just one hour, approximately Rp 75.85 billion was collected. Hundreds of trucks carrying aid items were immediately dispatched, with 207 units heading to affected areas.
Extreme weather from Tropical Cyclone Senyar caused intense rainfall, triggering disasters in multiple locations. Both the government and private sector quickly mobilized to respond. Minister Amran expressed gratitude to all contributors, including GAPKI, one of the main providers of logistical support.
“May the aid delivered by GAPKI help ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster,” said GAPKI Secretary General M. Hadi Sugeng, who joined the Minister in releasing the aid convoy, according to the official statement received by InfoSAWIT on Thursday (4/12/2025).
Two of the trucks carried GAPKI’s contributions, consisting of various food and beverages. From the Agriculture Ministry’s office, the trucks headed to Tanjung Priok Port before being distributed to several disaster-hit locations.
Hadi Sugeng emphasized that GAPKI Peduli will not stop with the aid delivery through the ministry. GAPKI’s national board has instructed all regional branches across Indonesia to conduct similar humanitarian actions independently. Many branches, especially those in Sumatra, had already begun collecting data on affected residents, setting up posts and emergency tents, and deploying teams to distribute direct assistance.
GAPKI expressed appreciation for regional administrators who responded swiftly to the humanitarian crisis. “This is not merely about logistical aid, but a manifestation of the palm oil industry’s solidarity with affected communities,” Hadi said.
This humanitarian initiative is expected to support early recovery efforts for residents facing severe impacts from the tropical cyclone, while also demonstrating the private sector’s role in responding to national disasters. (T2)
