Jakarta, Jan. 21 -- Indonesia's manpower minister said on Wednesday that labor-intensive programs could help accelerate economic and social recovery after recent disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

Manpower Minister Yassierli told lawmakers the ministry has deployed volunteers and will continue to do so, acknowledging recovery in disaster-hit areas will take time and require sustained government support.

He said the ministry has proposed labor-intensive initiatives in affected parts of Sumatra to provide jobs while rebuilding damaged infrastructure and restoring livelihoods.

Yassierli stressed disaster response should not end with emergency relief, but be followed by employment-linked programs to speed recovery and stren...