Jakarta, April 2 -- The Social Affairs Ministry has ensured it is ready to distribute aid to earthquake victims in North Maluku and North Sulawesi, with assistance based on the needs identified by the team on the ground.

"Our team is already on the ground and coordinating with local social affairs offices. Aid will be provided based on identified needs," Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said here on Thursday.

He explained that his side is still awaiting reports from regional governments conducting data collection, and therefore cannot yet provide an estimate of total assistance or overall impact.

However, coordination efforts continue intensively, including meetings held since morning to ensure a quick and on-target response.

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