Jakarta, Dec. 2 -- Indonesia's Religious Affairs Ministry has raised about Rp155 billion (US$9.3 million) to deliver essential aid to residents affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, Minister Nasaruddin Umar said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Umar said the ministry worked with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) and other philanthropic groups to collect relief funds, underscoring the government's commitment to rapid response efforts in the three provinces.

"Our objective goes beyond material recovery - we want to restore survivors' spirit and hope," he said, adding that psychological support is essential for affected communities.

Umar, who also serves as grand imam of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, said the ...