Memory 9 April 2021: Jokowi Visits Flash Flood Victims In Lembata Impact Of Tropical Cyclone Seroja

JAKARTA - One year ago, April 9, 2021, President Jokowi made a working visit to Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The visit focused on Amakaka Village, Ile Ape District, which is one of the locations affected by the flash flood disaster caused by tropical cyclone Seroja.

Early April is the toughest month for all residents of Lembata Regency. The flash flood disaster caused by tidal waves and high-intensity rain became the estuary. The disaster hit six sub-districts on April 2-5 2021. The six sub-districts included Ile Ape, East Ile Ape, Lebatukan, Omesuri, Buyasuri and Wulandoni.

The Regent of Lembata, Eliaser Yentji Sunur, also took a stand. He immediately moved quickly to determine the emergency response status for the handling of flash floods, landslides, and tidal waves that occurred in his area. This determination was confirmed by the Lembata Regent's Decree No. 326, dated April 5, 2021.

The decision was made in an effort to speed up recovery. Moreover, the disaster has claimed hundreds of lives and damaged hundreds of houses, ranging from mild to severe.

"It is hoped that the determination of this emergency response status can accelerate the recovery and stability of economic activity and smooth transportation flows for the affected communities and areas," said Eliaser.

The flash flood disaster also received special attention from President Jokowi. He not only expressed his condolences, but also went to one of the locations most affected by the flash floods. Jokowi made a visit to Amakaka Village, Ile Ape District on April 9, 2021.

On this occasion, Jokowi was accompanied by a number of other government officials. Among others, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Head of BNPB Doni Monardo, Head of Basarnas Henri Alfiandi, Governor of NTT Viktor Laiskodat, and Regent Eliaser.

Jokowi also visited the refugee camp at the Ile Ape sub-district office. He wants to make sure all kinds of needs of the residents are met. Jokowi also wants to hear directly from the public's complaints. The aim is none other than so that the complaint is followed up directly by the government.

“I, personally and on behalf of the government, express my deepest condolences to the victims. May his soul be accepted by God, given the best place, and those left behind be given sincerity and patience."

"As of noon today, a total of 163 victims in East Nusa Tenggara have died and 45 are still being searched. This is what we will continue to work on so that those in the search can be found as soon as possible. If we look at the field, the situation is rocky, big rocks, which makes our heavy equipment very difficult. But I have ordered them to continue to search and find those who are still missing," Jokowi said in a press statement.