However, we did not expect it (the tragedy to happen).Blitar, E Java (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini handed over aid to the families of Kanjuruhan victims from Blitar District, East Java Province, to demonstrate the government’s concern for the families.
"It (the disbursement of the assistance) shows the government's attention for the families and it is in accordance with our duties and tasks at the Social Affairs Ministry," she said here on Saturday.
The ministry has continued to distribute aid to the families of those who died in the Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede in Malang District, East Java Province, on October 1, 2022, the minister added.
The ministry has also asked emergency response unit (Tagana) personnel to record and verify the data of the bereaved families to allow the provision of other assistance in the future.
Before visiting Blitar district, Rismaharini went to several other regions to which Kanjuruhan victims belonged such as Malang, Tulungagung, and Pasuruan districts.
Regarding the children who were orphaned in the tragedy, she said that they will be included as beneficiaries of social assistance, which would be provided every month.
Related news: Ministry facilitates psychological assistance for Kanjuruhan victims
She further informed that her ministry has deployed 30 personnel to provide psychosocial assistance to bereaved families.
Meanwhile, the regional secretary of Blitar District, Izul Marom, informed that five residents from the district died in the Kanjuruhan incident.
In addition, 11 people from the district suffered moderate injuries, while another two were seriously injured. Those who were seriously injured are still being treated at the hospital. Currently, their condition has improved.
The regional secretary noted that enthusiasm among the residents of Blitar district over watching the football match was quite high, so they often went to the stadium to see the match in person.
"When a football match is being held, usually many children come (to watch). However, we did not expect it (the tragedy to happen). On the night of the incident, we continued to coordinate (to find out) how many victims were from Blitar District, and the following morning, we immediately sent (our personnel) to (help at) the hospital and to ready the ambulance,” he added.
Related news: Conducting thorough probe into Kanjuruhan tragedy: TGIPF
Translator: Asmaul Chusna, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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