Examining Needs of Pesisir Selatan Flood and Landslide Victims: Social Affairs Minister Prioritizes Essential Support

PESISIR SELATAN (14 March 2024) - Some areas affected by floods and landslides in Pesisir Selatan district remain difficult to approach for assistance. Tri Rismaharini, Minister of Social Affairs, did not remain silent. On Thursday (14/3), the Minister paid direct visits to numerous communities in Pesisir Selatan Regency to assess the needs of those affected by floods and landslides, especially the urgent need for clean water.

"Later, officials will prepare clean water. We have prepared this. God willing, there will be enough for two villages, but not too much,” said the Minister when noticed the circumstances of locals who were still having problems accessing aid distribution.

When examining the conditions in the affected areas, the Minister spoke directly with individuals and inquired what was urgently needed at the time. The Minister immediately provided the people's basic needs requests, the bulk of which were for food, clothing, and clean water. Later, necessities such as clothing will be distributed through the relevant local government.

In addition to basic needs, Minister Risma is concerned about a lack of illumination, which could threaten inhabitants. As a result, the Minister also handed over two complete generator units, which would enable households to get lighting.

Minister Risma will also provide heavy equipment to help with the process of cleaning up the mud that is still piled up in villages and roadways. Even if starting afresh is difficult, the Minister urged residents and the local government not to give up.

"I will help with the heavy equipment, but you'll handle the cleaning. I understand how difficult this is, but we must keep going forward to recover," remarked the Minister, encouraging the local administration and people who were also there.

Minister Risma also intends to expand the public kitchen in Batang Kapas District. Currently, the public kitchen makes 2,000 packets of rice every day. Even with this figure, some persons have yet to be reached

"Later, I'll help with cooking utensils and ingredients. "Are you able to help cook?" The Minister questioned the mothers who offered to help make ready-to-eat food in the public kitchen. This question was instantly answered by all of the residents present.

Aside from inspecting the affected citizens and the environment, the Minister also compensated the heirs of the 26 fatalities who died in the Pesisir Selatan district. 

The Ministry of Social Affairs has provided IDR 1,688,170,000 in assistance to the Pesisir Selatan District in the form of emergency response logistics, in-kind assistance, public kitchen equipment, regular rice assistance, and compensation for the heirs of 26 victims totaling IDR 15,000,000 per casualty.