Army Chief of Staff Provides Cash and Housing Assistance to Families of Soldiers Killed in Landslide
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak has provided cash assistance and housing to the families of soldiers who fell victim to the landslide disaster in Cisarua, West Bandung.
“We are providing condolence gifts — for the families, we have given houses, that is all,” said Maruli during a press conference after attending an aid distribution ceremony for Marine Corps soldiers’ families at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.
Maruli was not the only senior military official present at the event. Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono and Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali were also in attendance.
The Air Force Chief of Staff also made donations to the soldiers’ families. According to information obtained, the Army Chief of Staff provided cash to 11 next-of-kin of unmarried soldiers and 12 houses to representatives of married soldiers’ families.
Meanwhile, the Air Force Chief of Staff provided cash to all 23 families of soldiers killed in the landslide disaster.
Maruli added that the assistance was given as an expression of condolence from the Army to the victims’ families.
Beyond material assistance, Maruli stated that his office stood ready to help the children or extended family members of the fallen soldiers to join the Army.
“Perhaps later someone from the extended family may wish to join the Army — we are ready to help, as proof that we too feel the loss of our comrades resulting from this training disaster,” said Maruli.
With the various forms of assistance provided, Maruli expressed hope that the lives of the fallen soldiers’ families would be better supported.
It is noted that 23 Navy soldiers from the Marine Corps were killed in the landslide incident in Cisarua, West Bandung, on 24 January.
They fell victim to the landslide whilst conducting a training exercise at the location.
Of the 23 soldiers, 19 have been identified and returned to their respective families, whilst four others remain in the identification process.