Social Minister Distributes President's Aid To The Families Of Hurricane Victims In Bengkulu

BENGKULU - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini distributed assistance from President Joko Widodo to the families of the victims who died due to thunderstorms in Bengkulu City.

"Condolences, hopefully, the best will be given by Allah SWT. Sorry, this (assistance) is in accordance with the standards of the government, we convey the mandate of the president, this is a little help," said Minister Tri Rismaharini as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 10.

Minister Risma distributed assistance in the form of cash amounting to Rp. 30 million, or Rp. 15 million each compensation for two victims who died. The victim's family was also given basic food assistance in the form of rice and other primary needs.

Two residents of Bengkulu City, namely AM and SM, who are mothers and children, died after their four-wheeled vehicle was hit by a tree during a strong wind incident accompanied by rain in the Lake Dendam Takdah area, Bengkulu City.

The incident began when the vehicle carrying three victims drove from the direction of the Panorama intersection to the Brimob intersection in Bengkulu City and when they arrived in the Lake Dendam area, a tree fell due to strong winds and hit their vehicle. Another person received treatment at a local hospital.

Then, in addition to providing assistance to the families of the victims affected by the hurricane, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini also provided assistance to underprivileged residents in Bengkulu City in the form of staple food.

Minister Risma also provided assistance for household needs and basic materials for victims of forced violence living in Bengkulu City.

Earlier on Tuesday 9 May, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini made a working visit to North Bengkulu Regency. The goal is to ensure that the legal process of the forced assault case against 35 students goes well.

Minister Risma also distributed various assistance to victims. The assistance provided was in the form of basic food assistance, clothing assistance, nutrition assistance, cleaning supplies, school supplies and counseling, drawing equipment worth IDR 90,525,505.

Representatives of the victims' families who were hit by a storm that occurred on Monday night, May 8, 2023, in Bengkulu City, Herimanto expressed his gratitude for the visit of the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini and also the assistance provided to the families of the victims.

"Even though in the grief, there was happiness with the Minister of Social Affairs, Mrs. Risma took the time to come to our house, Mrs. Risma also left aid. This presence and assistance is a form of the central government's attention to us," he said.