Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Eruption Victims Confirmed to be Able to Vote in 2024 Regional Elections

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)

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

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto stated that the government has prepared polling stations (TPS) at evacuation sites for affected residents.

"There are 37 TPS around the affected locations, and 22 of them have been prepared in evacuation sites," said Bima Arya in a press statement received in Jakarta, Monday, November 25.

The regional government also facilitated 2,496 eruption victims from East Flores Regency who took refuge in Sikka Regency to cast their votes at TPS established on the border of the two regencies.

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

Bima emphasized that the government is making every effort to ensure that all residents affected by the disaster can still exercise their right to vote in the simultaneous regional elections that 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 do not be influenced by incorrect information or hoaxes," he said.

He also said that synergy between various parties is 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 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA), the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has affected 13,240 residents. A total of 5,607 people are displaced in six shelters, while 7,363 others are staying with family or relatives. The eruption that occurred in early November also resulted in nine deaths and four others were injured. The government continues to monitor the condition of the evacuees and provide necessary assistance at the affected locations.