LUWU (11 May 2024) - A week after the flood and landslide disaster in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, we can still observe diverse parties working together to help the affected residents. Logistics from the central government, regional government and volunteers continue to arrive as seen at the Main Post in Andi Djemma Belopa Field, Friday (10/5).


This is what Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini paid special attention to. "Thank God, South Sulawesi is united, and all parties prioritize saving people's lives first," said Minister Risma.


Even in isolated areas such as Latimojong District, the Ministry of Social Affairs and other stakeholders are making various efforts to reach residents, one of which is by sending logistics through the Indonesia Off-Road Federation (IOF) Palopo and IOF Luwu. The aid distributed amounted to 3.7 tons of rice and other basic necessities to be distributed to several posts in Latimojong, namely Saronda, Kadundung and Pajang.


The Minister presented honors to 33 people who contributed to disaster management in Luwu Regency. Among those honored were the Acting Governor of South Sulawesi, the Regional Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief of South Sulawesi, the Acting Regent of Luwu, the Head of the South Sulawesi Provincial Social Office, the Luwu Police Chief, IOF Palopo, IOF Luwu, and several Indonesian National Armed Force/Police (TNI/Polri) personnel.


"This is an appreciation from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the central government to all parties and all ranks of the TNI/Polri who have helped ease the burden on society and the duties of the Ministry of Social Affairs," stated the Minister during the presentation of the award (10/5).


At another post, namely, the public kitchen in Suli District, Luwu Regency, solidarity was seen from the Palopo City Disaster Response Volunteers (Tagana) personnel. Some cook, wrap them and distribute supplies. "Everything was done in an organized manner with the involvement of social offices, TNI/Polri, even the village officers," said Lukmanul Hakim (27), Chair of the Palopo City Tagana Forum.


The cooperation of all parties has had a significant impact on handling flood and landslide disasters in Luwu. Head of the Palopo City Social Office, Zulkifli Halid, who also deployed a team in Suli District, reported that the majority of inhabitants had returned home after being evacuated. "They have started cleaning their respective residences. The decrease in demand for packaged rice indicates that people are beginning to be able to cook their food," Zulkifli concluded.