Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Inspection to the State Elementary School Sukamaju 1 at Benjot Village, Cugenang District in Cianjur Regency, West Java Province, December 8, 2022
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We would like to ensure it considering that I receive a report that there are 53,000 quake-affected houses. Once again, 53,000 (quake-affected houses). 12,900 houses are severely damaged, 15,000 houses are moderately damaged, and 25,000 houses are lightly damaged.
I have carried out inspection on the ground. I have been here to Cugenang district, two times. The most damaged location is here considering that this is the very epicentrum. The most damaged houses, educational facilities, health facilities are here in Cugenang district.
I have ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to complete the construction of this elementary school in three months considering that children must be back to school.
Where do the students study during this time, Mam (School Principal)?
Principal of the State Elementary School Sukamaju 1 (Elis Fahriyah)
There is a backyard, Sir. An emergency school in the tent.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
In a tent?
Principal of the State Elementary School Sukamaju 1 (Elis Fahriyah)
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay.
Journalist
Sir, previously you had a dialogue with residents who have been staying at the shelter. How is their condition? And when will they be allowed to get back home or leave the shelter?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I noticed that there are no complaints from them. Earlier, we distributed 8,000 aids. Rp60 million for severely damaged houses, Rp30 million for moderately damaged houses, while Rp15 million for lightly damaged houses. It is expected to start the construction today so that the people can go back to normal activities, especially activities related housing rehabilitation. Indeed, I think we have to focus on housing, educational facilities, public facilities rehabilitation that will be begun.
Journalist
Sir, is there any relocation place?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Of course, locations within red zone including Cugenang district. We have already has a map for the red zone. We have to relocate them considering that it is very epicentrum. The relocation will take place in two locations. I have noticed that 200 houses are in process to be rebuilt in Sinargalih (village) until the end of the month. Moreover, as many as [the relocation] of 2,000 houses will be finished immediately.
Journalist
Will the schools within the red zone be relocated, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Of course. The schools within the red zone must be relocated. However, it requires intensive social communication with local people. We have already prepared and built the location for relocation.
Journalist
How about the quake-affected MSMEs, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We gradually focus on one thing to another. We focus on affected public facilities, houses first. Then we can focus on another. Okay?
Journalist
Sir, did you remind to build quake-resistant houses given that Indonesia is located at ring of fire?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, we have experience in building quake-resistant houses in Palu, in West Nusa Tenggara. We will also implement it here. How many stocks we have, Mr. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing? We have 2,000 quake-resistant houses. It will continue to be built so that the houses are built with the quake-resistant construction. Thank you. (AP/EP)