President Jokowi in East Lombok to Monitor Post-Quake Housing Project

President Jokowi, accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana, witnesses the signing of letter of agreement between the community and the applicator of Healthy Modest Instantaneous House (RISHA) in East Lombok, Thursday (18/10) Photo by: BPMI

After inspecting the construction of Healthy Modest Instantaneous House (RISHA) in West Sumbawa, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Thursday (18/10) headed to East Lombok to pay a working visit.

Arriving at the Helipad of the State Police School (SPN) Belanting, Sembelia District, East Lombok, the President received a warm welcome from the locals. The President inspected the disaster-affected area and witnessed the signing of letter of agreement between the community and the RISHA applicator in Pademekan Hamlet, Belanting Village, Sembelia District.

During the visit, President Jokowi talked about the complexity of the procedure for disbursing financial aid for the quake victims. “I told the Governor, there were 17 procedures (for the disbursement), very complicated. Last week, I decided (to merge) the 17 procedures into one, to make it fast and simple,” the President explained.

The Government financial aid shall be distributed to community groups (Pokmas) consists of 15-20 families and each family will receive financial aid depending on the type of damage of the house affected by the quake. “The financial aid shall be accountable,” the President said.

President Jokowi urged the Government officials, Pokmas, and every member of the community to allocate the money to rebuild the house. Each member of Pokmas is expected to control and monitor the use of the fund. “The money is not for buying motorcycle. I will monitor (the allocation of fund)” the President added.

On the occasion, President Jokowi explained that Lombok is located in “the ring of fire” and experienced a major earthquake in 1978. Therefore, he reminded the residents to use the financial aid to build earthquake resistant houses. “You are free to choose the materials for your house as long as the house can withstand the quake,” the President concluded.

(BPMI/EN) (RI/MMB/Naster)