This readiness was conveyed by Banten Provincial Secretary Deden Apriandhi after attending a coordination meeting led by the Minister of Home Affairs.
“The meeting, chaired by the Home Minister, was to ensure the readiness of both central and local governments, for the Christmas and New Year holidays,” Apriandhi said here on Monday.
He noted that caution must be heightened due to rising risk factors.
“Firstly, weather-related issues. We are also paying attention to disasters in several regions, especially in Sumatra,” he said.
Food supply is also a priority to ensure it remains uninterrupted during the long holiday period.
Security is another key focus, requiring collaboration between the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and relevant stakeholders.
Banten, being a coastal province, is prone to tidal or coastal flooding, prompting community education and enhanced readiness by district/city disaster mitigation agencies (BPBDs). Landslide mitigation will follow through internal meetings and coordination with Banten Regional Police.
Apriandhi also highlighted the surge in mining transport activity following closures of mining sites in West Java.
“The intensity has risen dramatically, perhaps five to seven times, which could complicate the holiday period,” he said. Temporary road restrictions or closures may be considered, he added.
From an environmental perspective, authorities are monitoring forest and mining activities while strengthening coordination with the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) in West Java.
“In Banten, forest (logging) and mining and others are still under control. Hopefully, the data is accurate so it does not lead to extraordinary incidents like in other regions,” he said.
He continued, "There are five subdistricts where illegal gold mining operates. We have worked with TNGHS and the police regarding this."
Coordination with TNGHS and law enforcement has led to closures of several locations.
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Translator: Devi, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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