Safety is not only in the sense of providing help, but basic services for affected people must also receive attention.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy echoed President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi’s) instruction to give due priority to the safety of residents affected by floods and landslides.

"Safety is not only in the sense of providing help, but basic services for affected people must also receive attention," he stated while chairing a ministerial-level coordination meeting here on Tuesday.

Basic services that should elicit the government’s concern comprise health, food, shelter, and unhindered learning for children affected by floods and landslides.

Furthermore, Jokowi instructed to normalize public facilities and expedite coordination between the central and provincial governments in tackling natural disasters.

The head of state also reminded the public to remain vigilant as more floods can possibly afflict several areas.

"These presidential instructions must be implemented jointly and through mutual synergy," he stated.

Moreover, he noted that all ministries and institutions have been urged to synergize their efforts in tune with their respective roles in handling floods and landslide disasters that strike in Jakarta and the surrounding areas and Banten Province.

On January 2, 2020, the coordinating minister and head of the Natural Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) had reviewed several locations affected by floods and landslides.

A total of 12 areas have until now been affected by floods and landslides in the provinces of West Java and Banten where an emergency response status is declared. Related news: Jokowi visits flash flood victims in West Java's Bogor District
Related news: Helicopter deployed to disburse vital aid to Lebak flood survivors


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Translator: M Zulfikar, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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