Floods In South Kalimantan, Jokowi: Immediately Send Aid

Residents carrying their children through floods in Kampung Melayu Village, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said he had contacted the Governor of South Kalimantan, Sahbirin Noor, to ask for an updated report regarding the flood disaster in the area.

In addition, Jokowi also ordered the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency, TNI Commander and Chief of Police to immediately send aid to flood victims in South Kalimantan.

"I have called the Governor of South Kalimantan to get a report on the floods in South Kalimantan. I have also ordered the Head of BNPB, the TNI Commander and the Chief of Police to send aid as quickly as possible," the President said in a statement broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat Youtube in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Friday , January 15th.

The President said that the assistance that needs to be sent is mainly related to rubber boats which are badly needed in handling flood disasters.

The Head of State also invited the public to always increase awareness of floods and landslides, because this month there was an increase in extreme rainfall.

"Always pay attention to the early warnings from the BMKG. I will continue to monitor the development of disasters in the country both in Sumedang, West Sulawesi and then in South Kalimantan," he said.

The President wants the regional and central government to always be present in the community in a disaster situation.