Bey Machmudin Reminds Local Governments In West Java Not Just Issue Building Permits

Acting Governor of West Java Bey Winhi Machmudin visited the disaster-affected area in Garut, Sunday (28/4/2024). BETWEEN/Personal Documentations

Acting Governor of West Java Beyxi Machmudin asked local governments, both cities and districts, not to just issue building permits given the potential for disasters in West Java. According to Bey, being wise in granting permits, especially in disaster-prone areas, can be an effort to minimize the cause of damage, even casualties. "We as provincial governments ask the city government to be careful in giving permission, especially in places that are red zones," said Bey after inspecting the area affected by the 6.2 M earthquake in Cilawu District, Garut, Antara, Sunday, April 28. Bey pointed to examples in Cianjur and Purwakarta that have a high potential for movable landslides, inevitably serious permit reviews should be carried out in anticipation of disasters. "The point is that public safety is the main thing," he said. Bey said this was part of preparedness in dealing with the possible disaster threats, especially since Indonesia, including West Java, was on the path of a series of volcanoes or ring of fire. "West Java in the BNPB National Coordination Meeting yesterday was indeed in 2023 with the most disasters, 750 mixed disasters, there were floods and so on. We have to be more vigilant, especially since there are a lot of West Java moving land," he said. As one of the disaster preparedness efforts, Bey said that disaster material had also entered the SD curriculum, in order to improve disaster mitigation culture. "Thus, you don't have to be too afraid, but you have to be vigilant," he said. Currently, said Bey, the community has been more responsive, as in the earthquake that occurred on Saturday (27/4) that rocked around Garut.

"Alhamdulillah, now the community is responsive. Earlier, women said that when an earthquake occurred, they immediately left the house, waited until it was safe, before returning home. Then there was also a group to report, thank God yesterday everything was under control," Bey added.