GARUT (May 1, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited residents of Talagajaya Village, Banjarwangi District, Garut Regency who were affected by landslides on Tuesday (30/4). When directly reviewing the condition of the evacuation post at the Talagajaya Village Office, the Minister appreciated the quick response from the Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB) so that it could provide the assistance needed immediately, including setting up tents, evacuation posts, and public kitchens along with all the necessities.

"I am grateful. I was surprised to get the report so quickly. It turns out that in this village the KSB was just formed one month ago," said Social Affairs Minister Risma appreciating the performance of the Talagajaya Village KSB.

Disaster Preparedness Village is one of the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs in carrying out mitigation in disaster-prone areas. For example, the Talagajaya Village KSB was just inaugurated a month ago. KSB Talagajaya personnel swiftly reported the latest conditions at the landslide site to the Directorate of Social Protection for Victims of Natural Disasters (PSKBA) of the Ministry of Social Affairs. Based on information from the KSB, the Directorate of PSKBA immediately sent logistical assistance from three points namely Gudang Bekasi, Sentra Wyata Guna Bandung, and Lembang Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS).

Assistance such as multi-purpose tents, ready-to-eat food, mattresses, blankets, kidswear, children's clothing, adult clothing, and others were then distributed to the affected residents in Talagajaya and also utilized for a public kitchen. In the public kitchen, KSB personnel also worked together with the Disaster Response Volunteer (Tagana), PKK cadres, and various parties to process and prepare ready-to-eat meals. As of Tuesday (30/4), the Ministry of Social Affairs public kitchen at the Talagajaya Village Office has produced 1,250 packs of rice.

After reviewing the condition of the refugees, the Minister also had a dialog with KSB personnel. The Minister also advised the personnel to remain cool-headed and not to be emotional in carrying out their duties in KSB. They must first think about environmental safety factors before starting disaster management.

"It has only been a month since KSB was established, and we directly tested by the disaster occurrence. Thankfully, we have received provisions from KSB so that we can immediately carry out disaster management," said Head of Telagajaya KSB Hapidin during a dialog with Social Affairs Minister Risma.