Jakarta (ANTARA) - Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) is striving to accelerate the preparation of relocation land for residents affected by the eruptions of Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi since April 16, 2024.

AHY informed that his ministry will confirm the availability of relocation land in South Bolaang Mongondow district without delay. The process will be carried out quickly so that people do not experience difficulties for long, he said.

"If the land status is already clean and clear, the ministry will be ready to give the certificates quickly," he said here on Saturday.

He expressed the hope that with the relocation, residents earning a living as fishers and farmers can start their new lives.

"It will not be easy because they will be relocated from the house they have lived in for decades. However, this is for the sake of safety, for the safety of their families," he said.

The minister further said he hopes that in addition to housing, additional land would be allocated to the affected residents for farming.

Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) chaired a meeting with several cabinet members at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Friday (May 3) to discuss the plan to relocate residents affected by the eruptions of Mount Ruang in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands.

The President stressed that the relocation of residents and the condition of the evacuees are issues that must be looked into soon.

He also emphasized the importance of identifying buildings and infrastructure damaged by the eruptions, including schools, hospitals, and bridges.

Earlier, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said that 12 thousand residents affected by Mount Ruang's eruptions had to be evacuated to safer areas outside the island.

The residents were from Tagulandang Island, Sitaro Islands district, which lies less than 10 kilometers from the volcano's crater.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Raka Adji
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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