We are ready to assist, thus the Baduy people can live normally again.
Lebak (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir on Wednesday distributed house renovation assistance to Baduy people in Pasir Huni Village, Leuwidamar Sub-district, Lebak District, Banten Province whose homes had been destroyed by fire last week.

He directly handed the aid to the Outer Baduy elder Jaro Saija, who was accompanied by Inner Baduy elders Ayah Mursid and Jaro Sami.

"We are very concerned to learn about the disaster," he said after visiting the location of the fire and the refugee camp on Wednesday.

Furthermore, on the day of the disaster, the Banten SOEs Task Force was the first to disburse food, kitchen utensils, clothes, and tents assistance to the village, the minister noted.

"We expect that the renovation can be completed as soon as possible so the houses can be occupied immediately," Thohir said.

In addition, he said that the renovation program will also include the construction of clean water facilities.

Meanwhile, Head of Kanekes Village, who is also an Outer Baduy elder, Jaro Saija, said that the people were delighted with the minister’s visit and assistance, especially the renovation.

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At least 16 homes were charred to the ground in last week's fire, which left 84 people and 24 families without homes, he informed.

Currently, they are living in a refugee camp, but it has been quite uncomfortable for them, the village head informed.

Meanwhile, senior manager of the Community Development Center at Angkasa Pura II, Agus Lubis, said his company had deployed the Banten SOEs Task Force to help the victims.

In addition to the assistance announced by Thohir earlier, the task force also handed generators to the villagers.

"We are ready to assist, thus the Baduy people can live normally again," Lubis added.

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Translator: Mansyur Suryana, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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