The President of the Republic of Indonesia Visits South Kalimantan, Greet Flood Victims and Deliver Aid

BANJARBARU (January 18, 2021) - The flood disaster in the South Kalimantan region is part of a series of natural disasters in early 2021. The disaster that has occurred since Wednesday night (13/1) has captured the attention of the Indonesian people, including the number one person in the Republic of Indonesia.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, visited the flood site in Martapura District, Banjar Regency and the refugee camp at the Demang Lehman Stadium, South Kalimantan, which has been experiencing high rainfall since late December.

Rain with extreme intensity of more than 150 mm for approximately 3 days resulted in the Martapura River, Riam Kiwa River and Riam Kanan River overflowing with a minimum water height of 1-3 meters.

The arrival of President Joko Widodo wanted to know how the condition of the people affected by the flood was and how prepared the evacuation posts were in several areas, one of which was at the Demang Lehman Stadium.

Arriving at the Demang Lehman Stadium, President Joko Widodo greeted the evacuees who had been waiting since morning. Joko Widodo also handed over an aid package for victims of natural disasters in South Kalimantan Province.

As many as 10,000 packages of basic food packages have been prepared for the evacuees. In addition, there is also distribution of donuts for children in the evacuee camps.

The Director General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Harry Hikmat representing the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini and the Director General of Human Settlements of the Ministry of PUPR Diana Kusumastuti were also present at the Demang Lehman Stadium to welcome President Joko Widodo's arrival as well as to review the facilities needed by evacuees in this stadium.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also provided assistance in the form of food, family equipment, evacuation equipment and clothing equipment from the Bekasi central warehouse for the Social Service of South Kalimantan Province.

One of the aids has been distributed to the Demang Lehman Stadium in the form of red mattresses, velbeds, mantras and blankets and has been used by the evacuees.

The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to reach out and evacuate flood victims who are still at home, in hard-to-reach areas. "The Minister of Social Affairs asks that the Centers in Banjarmasin must also be responsive to disaster conditions, so don't hesitate to take action," concluded Harry.