Social Minister Visited South Halmahera Earthquake Victims

SAKETA (July 18, 2019) - Thousands of displaced victims of the earthquake that hit South Halmahera, North Maluku, were still living in refugee camps. Most of their houses were destroyed, badly damaged and most of the others were slightly damaged, even certain that hundreds of houses were leveled.

The very alarming atmosphere was the main focus of the Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita when visiting several refugee points in South Halmahera, Thursday (07/18/2019).

There were two points of refuge that had been visited by the Minister of Social Affairs namely Saketa in West Gane District and, Gane Luar which was the worst affected area of ​​the earthquake.

The Minister arrived at Saketa in West Gane District on Thursday by helicopter from Labuha, the capital of South Halmahera, and was welcomed by the Head of BNPB then continued to fly to Gane Luar which was the worst affected area of ​​the earthquake.

Using a BNPB Helicopter, Agus Gumiwang accompanied by the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Manardo, flew from Labuha the Capital City of South Halmahera and landed in Saketa when it was pouring down in the region.

From Saketa, Social Minister Agus Gumiwang immediately continued flying to the Gane Luar. Welcomed by hundreds of refugees, Agus immediately greeted the refugees who ran to meet him. They were happy because the arrival of the Minister was certain to bring direct food assistance and for the children and toddlers.

During the four days since the 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the area, they only felt relief after the Minister and BNPB Head came directly.

"The attention of the regional government is not there either in the provinces or the regency. Whereas when the regional election came repeatedly asking for support. But when we are like this, where are they concerned?" said Yuminga, a mother, holding a baby who was sleeping on her lap.

Agus Gumiwang patiently listened to every complaint that residents feel as if their lives are not noticed. "I hope that ladies and gentlemen can be patient and accept this reality. This disaster is a trial that you and your mother must face by continuing to surrender to God," said the Minister with a look of concern.

"You guys are not alone. There we are with all of you. I as the Minister of Social Affairs, Mr. Doni the Head of BNPB, the governor and regent, all pay attention to all the victims. The proof is I'm with Mr. Doni and Mr. Governor now here at the same time bringing the support," said the Minister.

To the refugees, the Minister of Social Affairs gave an understanding, that the delay in delivering the support was due to transportation routes that were not very supportive.

"We even offer transportation fees to be doubled. However, the carrier has not yet been ready. Because of the weather conditions that are not very supportive. But I am sure that assistance within one day will arrive at this place," said the Minister, Agus assured residents.

To ensure that disaster management can be carried out properly and coordinated by all stakeholders in the South Halmahera Regency, the South Halmahera Regency Government has set the status of an emergency for 7 days.

North Maluku Governor, Gani Kasuba expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Social Affairs who quickly ordered his staff to send aid, especially for the displaced victims.

The Ministry of Social Assistance was very helpful and reduced the burden on the victims. "Thank you Mr. Minister," said Gani Kasuba when releasing the return of the Minister of Social Affairs and his entourage at Labuha Airport.

Total assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs was Rp. 1,396,172,490, with details;

1. Logistics support Rp.506,172,000

2. 1200 packages of nine-basic necessities Rp.300,000,000

3. Hygiene equipment support Rp.500,000.0000.

4. Compensation for the dead victims' family Rp.90,000,000

Minister of Social Affairs Agus also considered adding aid, of course, after conducting a survey of urgent needs. The Minister also highly appreciated BNPB cooperation. "Collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and BNPB in the future will continue to be improved. Because basically these two Institutions are given more roles in handling disasters and their impact throughout Indonesia," said Head of the Ministry of Social Affairs Public Relations Bureau Sonny W. Manalu.

Besides Sonny W Manalu, he also accompanied the Minister of Social Affairs during his visit to South Halmahera, Inspector General of the Ministry of Social Affairs Dadang Iskandar, Director General of Social Protection and Security Harry Hikmat, Director General of Social Empowerment Pepen Nazaruddin, Special Staff to Minister Febri Hendri, and several Echelon II and Echelon III Officers.

Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs

Sonny W. Manalu