On November 4 and 8, 2020, Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM), generously supported by principal partner PT Insight Investments Management, delivered 100 relief packages of essential groceries and vitamins to communities affected by Covid-19 in Ataili Village and Waijarang Village, Lembata Regency, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The aid packages included rice, eggs, cooking oil, instant noodles, granulated sugar, canned milk, and essential multivitamins.

This humanitarian distribution was prompted by the severe economic hardships confronting local villagers who struggled to secure basic sustenance under Covid-19 mobility constraints and economic paralysis.

Prior to the pandemic, the majority of residents sustained their households as subsistence farmers and artisanal fishers. However, the health crisis effectively shut down local markets and commercial outlets, preventing them from selling farm harvests and fresh catches.

The program specifically prioritized vulnerable single parents acting as sole breadwinners who are approximately 55 years of age and older. The pandemic had drastically decimated their earnings, and these elderly heads of households had rarely received social assistance from government safety nets.

The on-the-ground distribution was coordinated with local community activist Feldin Rano Kelen from the Lembata Interfaith Youth Organization in East Nusa Tenggara.

During the handover, Feldin conveyed the community’s profound gratitude to YIIM and PT Insight Investments Management: "Our residents are exceedingly thankful that YIIM has extended this vital food assistance amidst such grueling economic times. Living in a remote island region that often receives minimal outside attention, these food supplies bring tremendous relief to our people."

Expressing the corporate partner’s solidarity, Dwi Laksmi Anggita Sari of PT Insight Investments Management noted: "We sincerely hope this assistance alleviates the heavy burdens borne by the people of Lembata as they navigate the trials of the Covid-19 pandemic."

This intervention directly advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger and Improved Nutrition for vulnerable communities.

As the repercussions of Covid-19 continue to pose acute food security risks across remote island territories in Indonesia, proactive support is paramount.

YIIM, as an independent non-profit foundation, alongside PT Insight Investments Management, remains dedicated to mobilizing public solidarity and overcoming the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic through mutual aid and compassionate partnership.

Salam Inspirasi!