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.