Lumajang, Jawa Timur (ANTARA) - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto visited a Mount Semeru eruption evacuation post set up at 04 Supiturang Elementary School, Lumajang district, East Java, on Thursday.

"I see the regional government, national defense forces, and national police working hard together to immediately help the people in handling the Semeru disaster," he said at the Supiturang village evacuation post in Pronojiwo sub-district, Lumajang district.

He lauded the disaster mitigation measures conducted by regional governments, the national defense forces, and the national police, particularly their cooperation and hard work in helping residents affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru.

"My visit was to find out first-hand the current situation or conditions following the eruption of Mount Semeru. I want to see the situation and want to hear about the issues that have not been resolved," he explained.

During the visit, he also handed over basic food assistance to refugees and 10 Kawasaki KLX 150 motorbikes to the military force of the area 0821/14 Pronojiwo, Lumajang.

Meanwhile, the head of Lumajang district, Thoriqul Haq, said that his administration has provided 1,951 permanent housing units for residents affected by the eruption.

"Especially for residents whose homes have been heavily damaged and are in the (danger) zone of the Semeru eruption disaster," he informed.

According to him, the eruption that occurred a year ago on December 4, 2021, led to houses being buried under volcanic materials, which caused them severe damage.

Of the total affected people, currently, 1,200 families are living at the relocation site in Sumbermujur village, Candipuro sub-district.

"From 1951 families, now around 1,200 families, and the rest will make it gradually. God willing, next week, we will enter phase 8 and there will be 200 families joining the relocation," he informed.

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Translator: Zumrotun S, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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