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Jakarta, Indonesia - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has responded to public criticism following the circulation of a letter detailing preparations for the wedding of the daughter of BNPB Head Suharyanto. The letter sparked concerns about the use of BNPB resources for a private event.
BNPB spokesperson Rustian explained that a committee from BNPB assisted a wedding organizer (WO) in coordinating the wedding. He stated the committee’s input was crucial, notably regarding the guest list. “We will strengthen (readiness for marriage) because (for) the invitation (marriage), WO will not understand the faces of the invited (to marriage),” Rustian said.
Rustian clarified that the use of a meeting room at Graha BNPB for wedding preparation meetings was due to scheduling constraints. He confirmed that a disaster-related meeting was held at the location prior to the wedding preparations. “That (the wedding preparation meeting of the daughter of BNPB) outside of office hours,” he added.
Regarding the use of BNPB letterhead (KOP), Rustian explained that Suharyanto’s demanding schedule necessitated a joint meeting between the BNPB committee and the WO. “He was very busy and we also at BNPB were also busy to their respective regions so that at that time it could be collected (meetings) and at that time it could be carried out (meetings) so that it used the BNPB support,” Rustian explained.
“If there is a problem, we on behalf of the committee express our gratitude for the correction so that in the future we will improve this,” he continued.
Rustian assured the public that no BNPB budget was allocated to the wedding preparations. He emphasized that BNPB personnel contributed their time and expertise. “He warned me both, there would be no use of the budget in BNPB,” said Rustian.
The controversy arose after a letter outlining tasks for BNPB personnel in assisting with the wedding preparations went viral on social media. The letter detailed responsibilities such as coordinating invitations and managing logistics. critics questioned the appropriateness of utilizing a disaster management agency’s resources for a personal event.
BNPB, established in 2008, is the Indonesian government agency responsible for disaster risk reduction and management. Suharyanto was appointed Head of BNPB in December 2023, succeeding Suhary