December 19, 2025 | 08:44 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has responded to the criticism thrown by former Malaysian Foreign Minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim regarding the medical aid for Aceh. Tito is said to have underestimated the value of Malaysia's Rp1 billion donation for the disaster relief in the region.
Tito has apologized for his remark, claiming that Rais Yatim misunderstood his intention. "I absolutely did not mean to belittle the aid, the support from the Malaysian people to Aceh, no, not at all. If there was a misunderstanding, I apologize," said Tito at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, Friday, December 19, 2025.
Tito previously mentioned in a podcast about disproportionate aid from Malaysia, considering Indonesia's resources and budget in disaster management.
He clarified that he did not wish for foreign assistance to diminish Indonesia's disaster management, claiming that the local and central governments have been working to handle the Sumatra disaster.
"Don't let support from abroad diminish the significance of the work done within the country. The government is working incredibly, maybe they are not being recorded by the media," said Tito.
He admitted to having visited several locations in Aceh on November 29 and 30, 2025, bringing aid from the government. "Hundreds of tons of basic necessities were also distributed from Bulog's warehouse," he said.
Foreign aid has more media coverage, he said, but all state elements are making efforts to help with disaster management.
"Please also appreciate the efforts of the central government, the regional governments, volunteers, and donors with significant aid but minimal news coverage," said Tito.
Once again, he said, he did not intend to belittle the aid from Malaysia, especially with the kinship both neighbors have for a long time.
"And I know that in Malaysia there is also a diaspora community from Aceh," said Tito.
In a viral video on social media, former Malaysian Foreign Minister Tan Sri Rais Yatim slammed Tito's remark, claiming it unreflective of ethics and international relations ethiquettes, especially between neighboring countries.
"I received with sadness the response of the minister of home affairs of our neighboring country, stating that the $60,000 donation was small and inappropriate," said Rais Yatim, as quoted from a viral video.
Read: Medical Aid from Malaysia Arrives in Aceh
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