Ministry of Social Affairs Distributes Aid for Ambon Earthquake Victims

AMBON, MALUKU (28 November 2019) - Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari P. Batubara and his entourage visited the evacuation site for Ambon earthquake victims in the University of Darussalam, Tulehu, Salahutu District, Central Maluku Regency, Thursday (28/11).

During this visit, the Ministry of Social Affairs provided assistance worth 1.75 billion, which was symbolically handed over by the Minister of Social Affairs to the Head of the Maluku Province Social Service, Sartono Pinning.

The assistance was in the form of logistical assistance worth 1.2 billion, 2000 basic food packages worth 500 million, and beneficiary compensation for 4 victims of 60 million rupiah.

"This is all, to ease the burden on the victims who are still affected, with the hope that the emergency transitional conditions will end soon and they can return to their homes for recovery, so that they can run their lives normally again," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

This assistance is the second phase of assistance, after previously President Joko Widodo handed over the assistance directly through a visit to the same place at the end of October (29/10).

During his visit to the evacuation site, the Minister of Social Affairs at the same time brought a message from President Joko Widodo so that the provincial government could immediately change the post-disaster status in the area, from emergency transition to recovery, so that assistance such as life insurance could be diverted to other sectors.

On the same occasion, the Minister of Social Affairs also greeted children who were victims of the Ambon earthquake who were taking part in LDP (Psychosocial Support Services) activities in the evacuation camp.

The children who were victims of the earthquake looked so happy to welcome the Minister of Social Affairs. Excitement appeared from the welcome chants they echoed. The Social Minister then invited them to forget about their grief by playing riddles. Everyone who witnessed the moment was immersed in the joy that afternoon.

The natural disaster of the Ambon earthquake on September 26 caused a number of material damage and casualties, especially in Ambon City, Central Maluku and western Seram Regency.

Since this incident, the central government has shown its concern for all communities in disaster-affected areas through support in the form of assistance distributed directly to the evacuation sites.

This further proves that the presence of the government brings its own meaning to all people in Central Maluku to work hand in hand in the framework of harmony and diversity.

"We are grateful for the Ministry of Social Affairs 'attention to our area. Through this Minister of Social Affairs' visit, of course, it will motivate local government officials to work more actively in the welfare of the community through serious efforts to be made in the future," said the Head of the Provincial Social Service. Maluku, Sartono Pinning.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries due to the Ambon earthquake, Redly Sahetapy, received aid on behalf of his mother who died after the disaster.

"Thank you to the Ministry of Social Affairs for the assistance given to us. Hopefully what we get can be used to meet our daily needs," said Redly with great emotion.

The death toll from the Ambon earthquake totaled 41 people. Meanwhile, up to the day of the Minister's visit, the provincial government had completed assistance to 26 people, so that there were still 15 people left and were still in the process of completing their personal data.