Minister of Home Affairs encourages strengthening post-landslide spatial planning in Cisarua, West Bandung
JAKARTA - Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Muhammad Tito Karnavian encouraged the acceleration of the relocation of residents and the strengthening of spatial planning in disaster-prone areas as a long-term prevention measure, after reviewing the landslide location in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Sunday.
The Minister of Home Affairs emphasized that this incident was an important lesson for other regions in Indonesia, especially in strengthening spatial planning and mapping of disaster-prone areas.
"This is also a lesson for us in other regions, to strengthen the spatial layout. We must map these vulnerable areas," said Tito in his statement in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, January 24.
On that occasion, the Minister of Home Affairs also expressed concern over the disaster which caused casualties and there were still people who were in search.
Apart from the heavy rain factor, the condition of the soil structure in the area is one of the main causes of landslides. According to him, the soil in the area is loose so that it is less sturdy to withstand the load.
The Minister of Home Affairs also highlighted the change in the function of vegetation in hilly areas which was considered to aggravate the risk of disasters. Many protective plants with strong roots were replaced with horticultural plants.
"The protective plants whose roots are planted in yes, which can strengthen the soil structure, many of these horticultural changes, other vegetables yes. Well, that makes it very vulnerable if there is heavy rain," he said.
Regarding handling, the Minister of Home Affairs conveyed that the short-term steps were focused on searching for victims who were still missing and meeting the basic needs of affected residents.
In addition, he appreciated the synergy of various parties in handling emergencies, ranging from local governments (Pemda), TNI, Polri, volunteers, to the central government.
"From the Governor, then from the Regent, the ranks, TNI, Polri, volunteers, the central government, everyone is moving to help," said Tito.
In the long term, the Minister of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of relocating residents from landslide-prone areas for safety. According to him, the area is no longer habitable. In addition to relocation, he also encourages reforestation efforts by replanting strong-rooted plants to strengthen the soil structure.
"This must be re-planted, planted. Plants with hard roots, so that the soil structure can strengthen again. If it comes back again, it will slide again," he said.
He added that the mapping needs to be carried out nationally by all regional heads to anticipate potential hydrometeorological disasters.
"Every Regent, Mayor, Governor must be mapped nationally. For us to think about the potential if there is hydrometeorological vulnerability like this, heavy rain, heavy rain," he said.