Garut Regency Government Prepares IDR 20 Billion Budget For Hydrometeorological Disaster Management

Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan/DOK BETWEEN

GARUT - The Garut Regency Government, West Java, has prepared a budget of IDR 20 billion for handling hydrometeorological disasters that can cause damage to residents' homes and infrastructure. "We have prepared Rp20 billion for the people of Garut, yes, if anything happens," said Garut Regent Rudy Gunawan to reporters in Garut, Antara, Monday, December 4. He said that currently it has entered the rainy season where natural disasters often occur such as landslides, so the Garut Regency Government needs to prepare itself to tackle areas and residents affected by landslides. The Garut Regency Government, he said, currently still has a budget sourced from the 2023 unexpected costs (BTT) which can still be used for communities affected by natural disasters. He hopes that natural disasters will not occur in Garut or cause material and mental losses to the community, so that local governments carry out mitigation to avoid the risk of natural disasters. "What we will do is mitigate now, as well as protect against houses that landslide," he said. He said the available budget from the Garut Regency Government could be allocated to help damaged houses and public facilities affected by natural disasters. Especially for assistance for houses damaged by natural disasters, he said, according to the regulations, stimulant funds will be given in the amount depending on the level of damage or a maximum assistance of Rp. 25 million per unit of the house.

"We have a maximum of Rp. 25 million, a maximum of yes, but if it collapses once it is Rp. 25 million," he said. He added that currently together with the Deputy Regent of Garut Helmi Budiman, they are conducting direct visits to the southern region and other areas that are reported to be affected by natural disasters. According to him, the Garut Regency Government, which currently still has a budget from BTT, will be sufficient to overcome areas affected by natural disasters until the end of 2023. "We will repair the houses affected by hydrometeorology, including infrastructure," he said.