By building several check dams in Tanah Datar and Agam districts, it is expected that Mt. Marapi's volcanic materials will not directly flow into residential areas.
Tanah Datar, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, on Tuesday highlighted the urgent need for constructing check dams around Mount Marapi, which straddles the districts of Agam and Tanah Datar in West Sumatra.

"It is very urgent for West Sumatra to build check dams," Effendy said here.

He made the statement while visiting Tanah Datar district to distribute assistance to victims of Mount Marapi's cold lava eruption.

The minister said that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has directed the relevant parties to build eight check dams around Mt. Marapi without delay to prevent another hydrometeorological disaster.

Minister Effendy informed that the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) will fund the construction of the check dams.

Meanwhile, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry's Directorate General of Highways (Bina Marga) will construct them.

By building several check dams in Tanah Datar and Agam districts, it is expected that Mt. Marapi's volcanic materials will not directly flow into residential areas.

Besides preventing cold lava flows, check dams can hold volcanic materials, which can serve as an economic source for the community. According to Effendy, volcanic materials have economic value.

During his visit, Minister Effendy handed over assistance from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to the survivors of the cold lava flow at the evacuation site.

He also conveyed an apology from President Widodo, who was originally scheduled to visit the survivors in Tanah Datar. However, his trip was canceled due to inclement weather.

To assist those who lost their homes due to the cold lava flow from Mount Marapi, the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry will soon build 200 houses.

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Translator: M Zulfikar, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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