President Jokowi Distributes Aid for Lombok Disaster Affected Residents

President Jokowi hands over aid for disaster affected residents, at West Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Thursday (18/10). (Photo: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo distributed government aids for the disaster affected residents in West Sumbawa Regency to rebuild their houses which were destroyed by a massive earthquake last July. The Government handed over 2,081 saving books containing the funds received by the residents. Using their books, they can easily withdraw the money anytime needed.

“Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that there are 2,081 saving books to be distributed today,” said President Jokowi at the West Sumbawa Regent’s Office, Taliwang District, Thursday (10/18).

President Jokowi explained, for this week not all residents whose houses destroyed could receive the assistance. However, the President assured that the Government will continue to distribute the assistance immediately.

“Those who have not received (assistance), according to Head of BNPB, will receive it by next week,” said the President.

President Jokowi emphasized that for post-relief efforts, the Government do not only have to rebuild destroyed houses, but also have to repair a number of public facilities that have been damaged.

“Besides hundreds of damaged houses, 830 schools, 334 houses of worship, 61 hospitals and health centers,and 12 public markets are also damaged. I hope all of us understand the problems we face,” said President Jokowi.

Regarding the funds disbursement, President Jokowi said that the process can be done easily by following certain procedures because the Government has to take responsibility for all State Budget spendings, including for disaster aid purpose, adding that last week, the Government had simplified the procedures from 17 to only 1.

Accompanying President Jokowi during the visit were First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesian National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian, Commander of Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB)Willem Rampangilei, Governor of West Nusa Tenggara Province Zulkieflimansyah, Regent of West Sumbawa Musyafirin, and Deputy Regent of West Sumbawa Fud Syaifuddin. (BPMI Setpres / ES) (STU/MMB/Naster)