"We have 730 social barns (across Indonesia), and this is the 730th. Hopefully, this social barn will prove to be helpful in the event of a disaster," he said at the inauguration ceremony in Blimbing village.
He then highlighted that out of the 730 social barns, 53 are in East Java, with Kediri district housing two such government-run facilities.
The two social barns in the district have been designed to serve the residents of Blimbing village in Mojo sub-district and Maron village in Banyakan sub-district.
Social barns store a range of goods for disaster emergencies, such as packages of ready-to-eat meals, kidswear, blankets, family kits, mattresses, family kitchen appliances, packages of infant clothing, and portable tents.
The minister affirmed that social barns should be utilized exclusively during emergencies following disasters. He added that such barns must not be used for personal purposes.
"In the event of a disaster, Mr. District Head may declare a disaster emergency status in this region. Only then can the logistics stored in this social barn be distributed," he explained.
During his visit to Kediri, the minister also provided Rp15 million (around US$923) in compensation funds to the family of a resident killed in a house fire in Templek village on December 19, 2024.
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Translator: Asmaul H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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