Social Minister: President Jokowi Urges Ministries/Institutions to be Involved in Recent Disaster Management

Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara delivers press statement to the reporters after a closed-door meeting, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday (3/1). (Photo by: JAY/PR)

In the wake of floods which hit Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and several regions and inflicted casualties and serious damage, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo instructed all ministries and institutions to coordinate and take concrete actions to ensure the presence of the Government amidst the disaster.

The statement was made by Minister of Social Affairs Juliari Batubara in a press conference after a closed-door meeting on the management of recent disaster led by President Jokowi, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday (3/1).

The Minister said that during the past few days, Ministry of Social Affairs has been distributing logistics assistance to public kitchens and flood victim shelters listed by the regional governments.

Juliari confirmed that the assistance was distributed to people who need the most, and prioritized it to the children.

“We have prepared approximately 6,000-7,000 food packages containing ready-to-eat meals for children to Jakarta and its surrounding areas. We also distributed other assistances such as blankets, family kits, tents, and other things,” he added.

On that occasion, the Minister warned the people living in disaster-prone areas to be vigilant and take prompt action when the authority gives evacuation warning. Therefore, they may get assistance and services they’ll need including psychosocial supports.

“We provide psychosocial care in the shelters for children who go through trauma after the floods,” he added.

Juliari expressed hope that areas which are isolated due to flood and landslide such as Lebak and Bogor Regency can be connected in the next day or two.

“The Ministry is ready to send assistance to those locations and reach the people affected by the disaster,” Juliari concluded. (FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by : Yuyu Mulyani