MoSA Responds Immediately to Provide Basic Needs and Psychotherapy for Fire Victims at the North Jakarta Pertamina Depot

JAKARTA (4 March 2023) — The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) immediately sent out a team and emergency logistical assistance to meet the needs of the victims of the Pertamina Depot fire in Plumpang, North Jakarta (3/3). This was a rapid response to the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini's instructions so that the needs of those impacted by the fires are addressed immediately.

Robben Rico, the Director General of Social Protection and Security, arrived on the scene right away following the fire event at around 00.00 WIB (4/3) to assess how the affected residents' logistical needs had been distributed. Robben also participated in brief discussions with Forkopimda, the Mayor of PJ, the Regional Military Commander, the Head of Police, and Pertamina to explore coordinated tactical actions in responding to fire catastrophes. Robben made sure to examine how well public kitchens were running to supply the impacted residents' food demands.

MoSA conducted an assessment immediately, paying particular attention to vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, through Disaster Voluntary Worker (Tagana). The evaluation was conducted to precisely determine the needs of the impacted victims, such as basic needs (food, drink, and clothing) and the need for temporary shelter in the form of evacuation tents.

"We immediately conducted a quick assessment with Tagana at the time of the disaster. We have distributed the logistical assistance from Bekasi Main Warehouse for the survivors or impacted victims, based on the findings of the assessment at midnight "said Acting Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims, Adrianus Alla.

MoSA had sent 30 Tagana personnel, 8 Tagana Task Force personnel, and 10 Peace Pioneers Teams to conduct assessments, run public kitchens, and distribute temporary logistical assistance in the form of 500 ready-to-eat food packages, 304 children's food packages, 100 mattresses, 150 blankets, 50 pieces of kidswear, and 4 adaptable tents that were sent from the Bekasi Main Warehouse.

“To meet the needs of the residents, Tagana managed a public kitchen with a capacity of 1,000 packets of ready-to-eat food per cook. The second is to conduct more evaluations of the impacted families, particularly victims, both fatalities and injuries, which we will later examine and validate, to see whether their compensation may be granted,” added Adrianus.

In addition to providing logistical assistance, MoSA will provide psychosocial assistance to affected victims during the emergency response. The "Handayani" Center in Jakarta, the Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims, and the Social Protection for Non-Natural Disaster Victims Directors, as well as affiliated organizations including universities and the Indonesian Psychological Association, will carry out this support on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"When the community has been in the evacuation site and their needs have been met, we will continue with psychosocial support and trauma healing services," said Adrianus.

Previously, there was an explosion at the Pertamina Depot in Plumpang, North Jakarta on 3 March 2023 at around 08.20 p.m., causing a fire that affected residents around the depot.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs