Minister of Social Affairs Reminds Communities in Disaster-Prone Areas regarding the Threat of Hydrometeorological Disasters

BOGOR (24 May 2022) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini asked the public to increase their awareness regarding the phenomenon of weather anomalies as a result of global warming. The Minister reminded communities who are in vulnerable locations such as on mountain slopes, at heights or on river banks, to be more vigilant.

Referring to the disaster forecast by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the La Nina phenomenon is still a threat until June 2022. This means that the potential for increased rainfall can still occur until mid-2022 and 47 per cent of the season zone areas in Indonesia are predicted to be late for the dry season.

This triggers a hydrometeorological disaster. Namely phenomena of natural disasters or destructive processes that occur in the atmosphere (meteorology), water (hydrology), or oceans (oceanography).

The Minister of Social Affairs asked people who live in disaster-prone areas to continue to be vigilant. "We must remain vigilant considering that the weather is still erratic due to anomalies as a result of global warming," said the Minister when visiting the location of the landslide disaster in Pasir Pogor Village, Cipelang Village, Cijeruk District, Bogor Regency (23/05).

The Minister asked the local community to temporarily move from locations that are prone to landslides during heavy rains. This is done to avoid casualties.

“Disasters are unpredictable. However, mitigation must be taken properly so that losses can be minimized,” said the Minister. At the disaster site, several houses were damaged by a landslide as high as 6 meters and one person died.

In addition to visiting the disaster site, the Minister also handed over a sympathy gift to the heirs. "For the victims, we conveyed and asked for help from the sub-district and village heads to help administer healthcare insurance (BPJS). Meanwhile, from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), the sympathy gift was handed over of IDR 15,000,000 for each person," said the Minister.

Regarding disaster management, MoSA and relevant agencies have moved quickly to deal with affected communities. The Minister ensured that she would help children continue their education by sending school supplies. Besides, their daily clothes will be prepared and delivered to them.

The Minister also shared thoughts and feelings with disaster survivors. They stated that they were scared and traumatized as a result of the disaster. “I understand the emergence of trauma. Later I will send officers to carry out trauma healing services to reduce those fears and traumas," said the Minister.

The Minister also witnessed a mother who was expected to give birth in a month. She then asked the relevant agencies in the region to take over the childbirth costs and medical treatment during the delivery process.

Help for Tidal Flood Victims

In addition to Bogor, MoSA also handled disasters for tidal flood victims in Semarang City, Demak Regency, and surrounding areas. MoSA through the Kartini Integrated Center of Temanggung has sent logistical assistance to the Semarang City Social Office to help disaster survivors.

The assistance was in the form of 900 sheets of blankets, 580 packages of baby clothes, 438 packages of baby diapers, 1,200 packages of men's and women’s clothing, 27 packages of foodware, 7 packages of kitchen utensils, 430 packages of kids wear, 28 packages of family kits, 2,900 packages of ready-to-eat food, 2,290 packages of meals kids, and 1,980 canned foods.

The MoSA's logistical assistance was also sent from the Soeharso Integrated Center of Surakarta to the Demak Regency Social Office for flood survivors.

The assistance was in the form of 400 sheets of blankets, 600 packages of baby clothes, 438 packages of diapers, 400 packages of men's and women’s clothing, 100 packages of foodware, 10 packages of kitchen utensils, 12 packages of kids' wear, 1250 packages of ready-to-eat food, 1,620 packages of meals kids, 1,920 canned foods, and 8 boxes of mineral water.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs