Impact Of Mount Merapi Eruption, Chili Farmers Fail To Harvest

Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Ahmad Luthfi/ Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

BOYOLALI - The fall of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi has had a significant impact on the surrounding community, the majority of whom work as farmers and breeders. As a result, farmers are threatened with crop failure and livestock are threatened with starvation.

Mainly chili farmers in a number of sub-districts, such as in Tlogolele (Boyolali) sub-district. Chili farmers should currently harvest well, we hope that there will be a follow-up to the impact of the eruption experienced by the community," said a representative in front of the Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Ahmad Lutfhi at the Pantau Post, Jeruk Jurang, Selo District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java.

Responding to the complaint, the Kapolda will coordinate with relevant agencies to find solutions for farmers and breeders.

"Later we will also send aid in the form of a concentrate. We will coordinate the grass later so that it can be supplied from other places. It could also be that the existing grass before it is given for feed first cleaned with water so that it is not mixed with volcanic ash," said the Kapolda in response.

In response to the Central Java Police to overcome the impact and anticipation of an escalation of the eruption of Merapi, a humanitarian operation has been carried out, "Aman Nusa II Borobudur" starting on March 12, 2023. In the operation 1,169 personnel were deployed from the Regional Task Force (Central Java Police) and the Regional Task Force consisting of 5 police ranks affected by the eruption.

Various activities, both appeals to the community, disaster management, and delivery of humanitarian aid have been carried out in a synergy with the TNI, BPBD, Basarnas or elements/stakeholders for handling other disasters.

Meanwhile, the Head of Humas Kombes Pol Iqbal Alqudusy who accompanied the Kapolda said that the Safe Nusa II Borobudur operation was a representation of the presence of countries in the community to ensure a sense of security, especially during disasters.

"In principle, we provide security guarantees to the people of Central Java who are affected by the eruption of Merapi. The public must comply with the officers' appeal to wear masks and stay away from affected areas," said Iqbal.