Ministry Of Social Affairs Prepares Job Training For Cold Lava Flood Survivors

Tanah Datar Regent together with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy (right) while reviewing refugees in locations affected by the cold lava flood disaster. (ANTARA/Muhammad Zulfikar).

JAKARTA - The local government (Pemda) of Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra Province (West Sumatra), together with the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has prepared a number of job training for survivors of cold lava floods who have lost their livelihoods due to the impact of natural disasters.

"I have spoken with the Ministry of Social Affairs and we immediately provide training to people who have lost their livelihoods due to disasters," said Tanah Datar Regent Eka Putra in Tanah Datar Regency as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, May 23.

This was conveyed by the Regent of Tanah Datar after receiving complaints from the public who are still in refugee tents, but cannot work due to loss of livelihood.

The refugees directly conveyed to the local regent that they were bored because they could not do much while in the evacuation. Residents hope that the government will soon find a solution, especially related to livelihoods, to meet their daily needs after the emergency response period ends.

Eka Putra conveyed that from the initial assessment carried out, most of the refugees worked as sand seekers in rivers that originated from Mount Marapi. However, since the cold lava flood occurred on May 11, 2024, residents have no longer been able to work looking for sand, due to the condition of the river's damaged body and endangering safety.

In addition, residents who have been living as traders can no longer work, because shops or stalls and houses owned by them are razed to land due to being swept away by floods.

"Until now, the refugees have not been able to fully rise to meet their needs due to the impact of this disaster," he said.

Responding to this condition, the regent and the Ministry of Social Affairs will prepare a number of training and work skills, including preparing capital assistance for affected communities.

"So later they will be given training and capital assistance to open a business," he said.