Jakarta, Dec. 15 -- Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that the budget allocated for disaster management on Sumatra did not hinder Indonesia's economic growth.

According to him, disaster management actually had a neutral to positive effect, despite causing losses in the affected areas.

"It can actually provide a small boost. There are losses there, but there's housing development and other things. That will create additional economic growth," he remarked when met at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday.

Purbaya explained that reconstruction activities, such as housing and various infrastructure projects, will be able to stimulate economic growth in the regions.

Regarding post-disaster reconstruction, the minis...