At Midnight, Social Affairs Minister Risma Reviews New Cold Lava Flood Disaster Emergency Post in Agam

AGAM (May 21, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province, on Monday (5/20) at midnight. Her visit was a follow-up to her previous visit on May 15-16, 2024, to ensure that the newly built camps are safe and comfortable for refugees.

After landing at Minangkabau Airport, Social Affairs Minister Risma went straight to the new evacuation site at the Batu Taba soccer field in IV Angkek District, Agam Regency. Previously, Risma had coordinated with Agam Regent Andri Warman to move the evacuation site to a broader and safer place from the cold lava path of Mount Marapi.

Upon arrival at the location, Risma had a dialogue with the Disaster Response Volunteer (Tagana) from Bukit Tinggi, who was in charge of the newly established public kitchen. Social Affairs Minister Risma checked the availability of food for the refugees. “What are you cooking?” asked the Minister. “I’m cooking tuna, ma’am, and preparing to cook chicken,” replied Roni Putra, Tagana Commander of the Public Kitchen who was cooking. Not only that, Social Affairs Minister Risma, who used to cook a lot when she was at the disaster site, also directly helped Tagana cook dishes for refugees; even Social Affairs Minister Risma deftly sliced cabbage to cook. “Before there was a Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB), I cooked myself, now there are many KSBs,” said Risma while stirring the chicken.

More than ten large tents were built at the new post. The Ministry of Social Affairs built a tent for the Ampek Angke Health Center health post, which is 1 unit, and a tent for culinary vocational training and crafts made from patchwork, which is two units. Many tents were set up for disaster victims and assistants. Portable toilets were also built for the needs of refugees.

Previously, a flash flood of cold lava from Mount Marapi occurred on Saturday (11/5) at 9 p.m., hitting Agam Regency and Tanah Datar Regency in West Sumatra. The incident caused casualties and cut off the Padang - Bukit Tinggi road.

It is known that shortly after the cold lava flood hit on Saturday (11/5) night, Minister of Social Affairs Risma immediately instructed her staff to carry out disaster management. Until Monday (5/20), the Ministry of Social Affairs has established public kitchens and distributed logistical assistance to disaster-affected areas, namely in Tanah Datar Regency, Padang Panjang Regency, Agam Regency, and Padang Pariaman Regency. The Ministry of Social Affairs has handed over disaster logistics assistance for Tanah Datar Regency, Agam Regency, and Padang Panjang City worth IDR 7.14 billion.