MoSA Builds Public Kitchen and Logistics Supplies for Semarang Flood Victims

SEMARANG CITY (March 16th, 2024) – Semarang City had been hit by floods after heavy rain, accompanied by lightning and strong winds since Wednesday (13/3). Based on Semarang City BPBD data as of March 15th, 2024 at 11.00 WIB, flooding affected 169,991 residents of Semarang City. The overflow of water from Ungaran area and its surroundings had also made the East Flood Canal (BKT) unable to withstand the water flow and overflowing, thereby making the situation worse.

Responding to these conditions, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) moved quickly to provide assistance and set up public kitchens at several points to provide logistics. Collaborating with Central Java Provincial Social Service, Semarang City Social Service, TNI/Polri, Volunteers, and Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), MoSA ensured that the basic needs of affected communities were met. Apart from that, MoSA also collaborated with the Local Health Service to ensure public health.

Secretary General of MoSA Robben Rico, accompanied by the Acting Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA), M. Delmi and the Head of "Kartini" Integrated Center in Temanggung, Iyan Kusmadiana, went directly to inspect the flood conditions in several areas, evacuation posts and MoSA’s aid post on Friday (15/3). Kaligawe sub-district was one of the worst flooded areas.

"We are creating public kitchens at several points, there are already four public kitchens that have been established, but there are also several public kitchens that have been created independently by residents which we will help supply their needs," said Robben.

MoSA, through PSKBA Directorate, was synergizing with "Prof. Dr. Soeharso" Integrated Center in Surakarta, "Kartini" Integrated Center in Temanggung, "Antasena" Center in Magelang, "Margo Laras" Center in Pati and the Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) Yogyakarta sent ready-to-eat food aid, women's and children's needs, mattresses, blankets and tents to communities affected by the flood.

Severe flooding conditions forced several people to flee to safer places, such as mosques, sub-district offices and Semarang University multi-purpose building. Robben and his team also went around distributing aid directly to people in refugee camps. One of which was at the multi-purpose building at Semarang University.

"Earlier, until 3 in the morning, we toured several places. Thank God, we have supplied mattresses and blankets. We hope that residents can rest comfortably in the refugee camps," said him.

One of the refugees, Etty, expressed her gratitude for getting a mattress and blanket. "Previously, we only slept on mats, so blankets and mattresses were really needed to make sleeping more comfortable," said Etty.

The assistance distributed by MoSA for the flood disaster in Semarang City amounted to IDR 3.088 billion, sent from several Integrated Centers, Centers, BBPPKS and Bekasi Central Warehouse. Until now, MoSA continues to provide services to affected residents. This assistance was a form of MoSA's commitment to help communities affected by flood to get through difficult times better.