I come here to ensure that we have put in all our efforts to find the remaining victims and evacuate themJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) directly reviewed areas affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru to ensure assistance for the refugees.
"I come here to ensure that we have put in all our efforts to find the remaining victims and evacuate them," Jokowi stated in Lumajang District, East Java, Tuesday.
Mount Semeru, located in two districts in East Java Province -- Malang and Lumajang Districts -- erupted on December 4, 2021, at around 15:00 local time. The mountain spewed incandescent lava amid rumbling sounds and thick gray smoke.
"We are also looking at the plan to repair infrastructure damaged by the eruption," he added.
The president also reviewed the refugee locations to ensure that their needs were handled properly.
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"I think the condition is starting to improve in terms of meeting the needs of consumption, health, and clean water. After the condition improves, we hope to recover the infrastructure," Jokowi noted.
The government is open to the possibility of relocating residents from their current neighborhood, he added.
"There is a possibility of relocation from dangerous places near the mountain. Earlier, I had received reports of approximately two thousand houses that had to be relocated. We will immediately decide where to relocate them, and we will immediately build the houses," Jokowi emphasized.
On behalf of the government and Indonesian citizens, Jokowi expressed his deep condolences over those who died as a result of the eruption of Mount Semeru.
President Jokowi briefly visited the refugee post in Sumberwuluh Village Field, Lumajang District, East Java Province.
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At the refugee shelter, Jokowi met refugees, checked public kitchens, visited the Health Service Post, met with children, and handed over compensation to the heirs of the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption.
Accompanying the president were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimulyono, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General Suharyanto, Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Vice Marshal Henri Alfiandi, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Head of Lumajang District Thoriqul Haq.
Based on data from BNPB on Tuesday, 34 people died, while 16 people were still missing.
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Most of the victims' bodies were found buried in volcanic ash and hot clouds from avalanches, but some were found in the rubble of houses.
Meanwhile, 1,707 evacuees were spread across 19 points.
Temporary data indicated that the disaster affected 2,970 houses and 38 schools as well as caused damage to a bridge that connected Lumajang to Malang.
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Translator: Desca Lidya N, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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