Palu Quake and Tsunami Victims to be Relocated Until 2020

Minister of National Development Planning/Head of National Development Planning Board (Bappenas)Bambang Brodjonegoro answering the Press after attending limited cabinet meeting, at State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (16/10). (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

The Government will relocate the victims the quake and the tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi until 2020, according to Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro

Residents to be relocated are especially those whose houses are situated at the center of the quake, in coastal areas struck by the tsunami, and in areas affected by soil liquefaction, he said.

“These three regions will be relocated when the reconstruction process begins,” Bambang told journalists after attending a limited cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (16/10).

As for other regions, for example those under the safe zones, Bambang said their homes will be repaired directly if they suffer from damage and if the homes are located in danger zones, the Government will find other regions for their homes, but most importantly, the location will not be far from their previous homes.

Regarding budget for relocation, Bambang added that grant funds would be available for anyone that wants to make donation, but the State Budget will also be available. “This is a combination of the State Budget and non-state budget,” he said.

Bambang added that the Government has received grant funds, including from foreign institutions to be used as an emergency response, and the amount is estimated to reach above US$50 million. “The point is we are open to all options and the most important thing is for the reconstruction process to proceed according to plan,” Bambang said, adding that the Government hopes to finish reconstructing in less than two years.

Regarding the possibilities of using foreign funds, according to Bambang, the Government will see the requirements, meaning that commitments are made depending whether it is necessary or not to use them.

“We are still collecting grant funds. However, what we all saw recently is the commitment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. Once again, the use of those funds depends on our needs,” he said.

“We are rehabilitating by building temporary homes and then we will start reconstructing,” Bambang added. (FID/RAH/ES)(HYP/EP/Naster)