The Speaker Of The House Of Representatives Asks The Government To Move Quickly To Meet The Needs Of Bali Flood Victims

PDIP DPP chairman Puan Maharani. (Nailin-VOI)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the central and regional governments to act immediately to deal with flood disasters that hit most of Bali. Especially ensuring that all basic needs of the community are met and the recovery program runs quickly.

"Flooding in Bali claimed lives, damaged people's homes, paralyzed trade activities, and even tourism became the spirit of the economy. This is not just a natural disaster, but a test of the country's capacity to protect the people. The government must move quickly to ensure that the basic needs of the community are met from the first day," said Puan in her statement, Thursday, September 11.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also reminded a number of technical steps that the government needs to take immediately. Such as accelerating the distribution of emergency aid in the form of ready-to-eat food, clean water, medicines, clothing, and special needs for infants, children, and the elderly.

Then provide proper and safe shelters, including sanitation, emergency health facilities, as well as access to temporary education for children whose schools are affected by flooding.

"The data collection is accurate and transparent on casualties, material losses, and the number of refugees to ensure the assistance is right on target. And the recovery of vital infrastructure such as main roads, bridges, drainage, and people's markets that are paralyzed by flooding," said Puan.

In addition, Puan also asked the Government to strengthen long-term mitigation, through spatial audits, arrangement of watersheds (DAS), reforestation of upstream areas, to the construction of a more adequate urban drainage system.

He also highlighted the importance of clear public communication from the Government so that people are not confused.

"Don't let residents just wait for help that never comes. Local and central governments must be present in the field with concrete steps," said Puan.

Furthermore, Puan emphasized that Bali as the face of Indonesian tourism requires special attention. According to him, economic losses due to flooding are not only borne by local communities, but also related to the image of Indonesia in the eyes of the world.

Bali recovery must be carried out with a comprehensive approach. Don't just repair damaged infrastructure, but also ensure that small communities, market traders, farmers, and MSME players get financial support so that they don't get worse," he explained.

This disaster is a reminder that the state must be present in real terms. Bali must recover soon, and the DPR RI will oversee that the recovery process runs transparently, quickly, and sided with the community," said Puan.

For information, the flood disaster in Bali resulted in the death and disappearance of the victims. BNPB data as of Thursday, September 11, at 11.00 WIB, recorded a total of 14 deaths. Meanwhile, two people in Denpasar are still being searched.

BPBD Bali also reported 120 flood points hit seven regencies/cities in Bali. The details, Denpasar as many as 81 flood points, Gianyar 14 points, Badung 12 points, Tabanan eight points. Then, Karangasem and Jembrana each have four points and Klungkung one point.

BPBD Bali also informed that 562 residents were displaced, consisting of 327 residents in Jembrana Regency and 235 residents in Denpasar City.