Victims Of The Eruption Of Mount Lewotobi Men Are Confirmed To Be Able To Use The Right To Choose In The 2024 Pilkada

Kinjungan Kepala BNPB Suharyanto, bersama Menko PMK dan Wamendagri berdialog dengan warga di Pos Pengungungan Lewolaga di Kabupaten Flores Timur, Nusa Tenggara Timur pada Minggu (24/11) (dok BNPB)

The government has ensured that victims of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, can still exercise their voting rights in simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) in 2024.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto stated that the government had prepared polling stations (TPS) in refugee locations for affected residents.

"There are 37 polling stations around the affected locations, and 22 of them have been prepared at the refugee camps," Bima Arya said in a press statement received in Jakarta, Monday, November 25.

The local government also facilitated 2,496 victims of the eruption from East Flores Regency who fled in Sikka Regency to vote for them at the TPS which was established on the border of the two districts.

"The Acting Regent of Sikka and Acting Regent of East Flores will coordinate so that all independent refugees can still exercise their voting rights," added Bima Arya.

Bima emphasized that the government is trying its best so that all residents affected by the disaster can still exercise their voting rights in the simultaneous regional elections which will take place on November 27, 2024.

"We ask the public not to worry about losing their political rights. Follow the government's direction and don't be influenced by false information or hoaxes," he said.

He also mentioned that synergy between various parties is the key so that refugees can carry out their obligations as citizens while voicing hopes for a better future.

As of November 23, 2024 at 20.00 WITA, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki had an impact on 13,240 residents. A total of 5,607 people took refuge in six shelter locations, while 7,363 others lived with their families or relatives.

The eruption that occurred in early November also left nine people dead and four others injured. The government continues to monitor the condition of the refugees and provide the necessary assistance at the affected locations.