Relocation Of Victims Of The Cianjur Earthquake Must Be Fast After, Jokowi: Rainy And Coldy Society At Refugee Tents

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked for the construction of houses for earthquake victims in Cianjur, West Java, which were relocated to be completed quickly. They must immediately return to their homes and do not linger in refugee camps.

"We want it to be as fast as possible but not limited by time and as soon as possible. Starting as soon as possible because people are already raining and cold in tents," Jokowi said like the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube show on Monday, December 5.

He ensured that residents who had to be relocated would move to safe areas. Jokowi said the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had conducted an assessment assisted by other institutions.

The construction activities for the houses of affected residents who are relocated will begin today, Monday, December 5. This activity begins with prior verification.

Meanwhile, cash assistance was given to earthquake victims starting Thursday, December 8. Details of the assistance provided were IDR 50 million for damaged houses, IDR 25 million for moderately damaged houses, and IDR 10 million for lightly damaged houses.

Jokowi said, this money will be handed over directly or through savings. With this assistance, earthquake victims in Cianjur are expected to be able to immediately repair their homes so that normal activities can occur immediately.

President Jokowi returned to visit the earthquake-affected areas in Cianjur, West Java. He took the land route with his entourage, namely the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy.

In addition, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, and Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Suharyanto also participated.

The earthquake that occurred on Monday, November 21 had a magnitude of 5.6 SR. Based on data from the Cianjur Regency Government on Sunday, December 5, this incident resulted in 334 deaths and eight people are still being searched.

While the number of houses severely damaged reached 8,151 houses, damaged houses reached 11,210 units, and lightly damaged 18,469 units. The damage was also experienced by 525 schools, 269 places of worship, 14 health facilities, and 17 office buildings.