56 sub-districts in West Jakarta receive disaster equipment aid from BPBD

Jakarta (ANTARA) - As many as 56 sub-districts in West Jakarta (Jakbar) have received assistance in the form of disaster facilities and infrastructure equipment from the Jakarta Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD DKI Jakarta). The distribution of aid was marked by a symbolic handover from the West Jakarta Mayor, Iin Mutmainnah, to four disaster-prone sub-districts, namely Kembangan Utara, Kembangan Selatan, Duri Kosambi, and Rawa Buaya. “Not only to be used during floods, the utilisation of facilities and infrastructure, such as tents, can also be used for evacuation during fires,” said Iin in Jakarta on Monday. Regarding disaster mitigation efforts, her side is intensifying the cleaning of water channels and mapping of drainage systems to ensure they function optimally. In addition, they are promoting community service activities to tackle rubbish and mud at various locations. These activities involve various elements, stakeholders, and other community members. Specifically for fire disaster mitigation, Iin stated that she has coordinated with PLN officials to ensure that the electrical distribution system to residents’ homes is in good condition, preventing electrical equipment from triggering fires in residential areas as has happened previously. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Logistics and Equipment Sub-Group of BPBD DKI Jakarta, Michael Sitanggang, said that the distribution of aid in the form of facilities and infrastructure equipment, such as life jackets, boats, and tents, was given to 20 flood-prone sub-districts in West Jakarta. Of the total 660 life jackets distributed, each sub-district received between 20 and 60 jackets. “Meanwhile, PE (Polyethylene) boats were only given to four sub-districts that are frequently hit by floods, namely Kembangan Utara, Kembangan Selatan, Duri Kosambi, and Rawa Buaya Sub-districts. Those sub-districts received PE boats measuring 2.6 metres in length,” he said. He added that aid in the form of 5 x 10 metre tents was provided to each of the 56 sub-districts. Those tents can accommodate up to 30 residents. “We have provided instructions to the sub-districts on how to store and place them. So that when the time comes to use them, the equipment is ready,” said Michael.