East Java needs Rp 280b for rehabilitation

East Java needs Rp 280b for rehabilitation

The Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Denpasar

East Java needed Rp 280 billion to rebuild public facilities and
houses damaged by recent floods and landslides, East Java
Governor Imam Utomo said here on Monday.

The funds would be used to replace four collapsed bridges,
repair dams and a number of destroyed houses, mostly in the
Situbondo and Bondowoso regencies, the worst hit areas, he said.

Imam said he had proposed the central government disburse
funds to help fix important public utilities, like damaged
streets.

The collapse of four bridges linking Surabaya to Bali had
caused massive delays with traffic having to use makeshift
bridges.

East Java Provincial Public Works Office chairman M. Djalal
said it would take at least two weeks till traffic was flowing
normally. "It will take a long time to repair the bridges. One of
them is 80 meters long."

Djalal said fixing the bridges would cost around Rp 80
billion.

Around 150 people were killed when the recent floods and
landslides hit Indonesia. At least 76 people were killed in East
Java.

Meanwhile in Bali, local artists and social activists group
Alas Roban raised Rp 32 million during a charity painting auction
in Denpasar on Sunday night.

The money would be donated to victims affected by floods and
landslides in Bali, which claimed at least 12 lives.

Several of Bali's most promising young painters, such
as Duatmika, Suklu, Budhiana, Supena, and Susena,
donated their works for the auction.

"We are very happy with the results of the event, and also are
very grateful for those generous individuals, who have committed
their energy and money to this cause," said Alas Roban member
Popo Danes.

He said his group had received donations in the form of rice,
instant noodles, and clothes for the victims.