Cianjur, West Java (ANTARA) - The Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani on Wednesday asked earthquake victims in Cianjur, West Java, who have received government-assisted relocation houses, not to sell or mortgage them.

"Do not sell or pawn the houses that will be owned because these houses cover land certificates and the house is in the listed recipient's name, not anyone else's," Maharani said while handing over 200 housing units directly to residents.

She stated that the first phase of construction, which included 200 earthquake-resistant houses, has been completed and handed over to the owners. Additionally, 300 more units are currently under construction and will be completed soon.

"The total number of relocation houses is 500 units for earthquake-affected residents living in the red zone, and we hope they can keep the houses for life," she added.

Talking to the 200 new homeowners, the House Speaker urged them not to transfer house ownership for any reason, saying the name on the ownership certificate cannot be changed.

Meanwhile, Cianjur district head Herman Suherman revealed that residents previously living in earthquake-affected areas, such as Cugenang, Pacet, and Cianjur sub-districts, will also be covered by other programs, including the one on economic recovery.

"The government will provide entrepreneurship training for residents who relocate, including business capital assistance when they have acquired the skills so that they can continue to earn an income and have a job even though they have relocated," he said.

According to Suherman, the relocated residents will keep owning the land where their former houses and farms were. The land can be cultivated, but buildings cannot be built on it.

"The ownership of the relocation house can be terminated if they construct a building on the previous land. We hope that no one violates this, including selling or putting the relocation house as a mortgage," he said.

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Translator: Ahmad F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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