President Jokowi: Gov’t to Assist Flood Victims Relocation, Sabo Dam Construction in W. Sumatra

President Jokowi delivers a press statement after inspecting the flash flood disaster site in Agam Regency, (21/05/2024).
(Photo: BPMI Setpres/Kris)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (21/05/2024) inspected the landslide and cold lava flash flood disaster sites in Agam regency, West Sumatra province.

According to the President, efforts to handle the victims and refugees have been carried out well.

“Yes, I’ve seen the disaster management in Agam, as well as in Tanah Datar. It’s been proceeding well, starting from evacuating the victims to handling the affected residents. I also had a dialog with them. The construction of roads and emergency bridges has been under way and there are still one or two matters that are still in process. This is what we are pursuing so that everything returns to normal as soon as possible,” he said.

The President also said that the local government has prepared land for affected residents to be relocated and added that Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing will immediately build housing for them.

“Then also for the damaged houses, there are 625 houses with heavy, medium, and light damaged condition. There are 159 heavily damaged houses – all have been recorded. If they need to be relocated, they will be relocated. Earlier, the Regent, the Governor have prepared the land so that soon there will be a determination of the location when it is carried out by the Central Government, Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, I will order immediate start because the materials are ready,” he said.

The Head of State also underscored that evacuation efforts have been focused on searching for victims who remain missing and on ensuring the availability of logistics for refugees.

“Regarding those who are still missing, efforts should be directed to find them and daily logistical issues for the affected residents, I see it’s still good and the logistics are also sufficient for the next three weeks,” he said.

The President also said he had ordered Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to immediately build six Sabo dams for areas prone to cold lava disaster.

“For the cold lava issue, yes, indeed, after being calculated by Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, 56 Sabo dams are needed, but currently, there are only two, so more additions are needed. And I order that it must start this year, especially in very important places. Six must be start immediately,” he said. (KS/DNS) (APN/EP)