East Java Governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Based In Lumajang, Oversees The Handling Of Semeru Disaster

JAKARTA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has an office in Lumajang Regency to directly oversee efforts to deal with hot clouds avalanche disaster due to the increased activity of Mount Semeru.

"I do all my work from Lumajang, and I ask Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak to represent me on some agenda," Khofifah told reporters in Lumajang Regency, reported by Antara, Sunday, December 6.

According to her, disaster management related to Semeru is currently a priority, especially search and rescue.

Including, she said, those relating to the needs of the refugees, and the East Java Provincial Government and Lumajang Regency Governments continue to try to maximize services to disaster-affected communities.

"I want to ensure that data consolidation and coordination of search, rescue, evacuation, and handling of refugees are effective and hopefully nothing is missed," she said.

She also acknowledged the decision to have an office in Lumajang after seeing the extent of the impact of the eruption of Mount Semeru in Candipuro District, such as in Renteng Village, Kamar Kajang Hamlet, Sumber Mujur Village, Sumberwuluh Village, Penanggal Village, and Sumber Rejo Village.

In Pronojiwo District, the affected villages are Supiturang, Sumber Urip, and Oro-Oro Ombo Village.

In addition, road access from the center of government and economy was also cut off due to the collapse of the Gladak Perak Bridge connecting Lumajang and Malang Regency.

The number one person in the East Java Provincial Government emphasized that by having a direct office in Lumajang, coordination between related policy stakeholders in efforts to handle emergencies can be faster.

To the Lumajang Regency Government, Khofifah asked that coordination between the Candipuro and Pronojiwo areas must be maintained to ensure that the needs of residents and refugees are always met, including health care.

On Saturday, December 4, the afternoon of Mount Semeru emitted hot clouds and rained ash into the surrounding area. Residents who live in villages around the 3,676 meters high mountain above sea level were evacuated to avoid the impact of hot clouds falling.