Jakarta, Oct. 19 -- Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar reported that government assistance had enabled more than 98 percent of houses of worship affected by last year's disasters in three Sumatran provinces to continue serving their communities.

"We have helped over 98 percent of affected houses of worship to resume operations. Our assistance reached communities across faiths, including support for worship and educational site recovery," he said in Jakarta on Monday.

Umar said the government recognizes the importance of extending disaster recovery efforts beyond rebuilding physical infrastructure, highlighting initiatives designed to help survivors recover socially and psychologically from the loss of loved ones and property.

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