Indonesia accelerates relocation of Sumatran disaster evacuees from tents ahead of Eid al-Fitr
“(The number of evacuees) has been reduced quickly from 12,000 to 6,000 and now around 1,600,” he said at an event to donate 31 ambulances from the private sector to the Ministry of Health for post-disaster recovery in Sumatra on Thursday.
According to him, his office requested the completion of the temporary housing within 10 days, noting that prolonged stays in tents are not ideal for evacuees due to risks to their mental and physical health.
“They are all itching. It is also dangerous for children because they can contract measles,” Karnavian added.
He said the three institutions are constructing the temporary housing, while residents may choose to move in directly or receive financial assistance to rent accommodation while waiting.
He said he had heard that the president might visit the temporary shelters before, during, or after Eid, and therefore no residents should still be staying in tents.
Regarding permanent housing, the minister stated that housing for healthcare workers would be a priority, as they are the ones taking care of people.
The minister mentioned that a budget of Rp15 million (US$863) has been allocated for the renovation of lightly damaged houses, Rp30 million (US$1,727) for moderately damaged houses, and Rp60 million (US$3,454) for heavily damaged or destroyed houses.
“Alternatively, if they opt for a housing complex, the Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas can build one for them. That would be better,” Karnavian remarked.
In addition, he outlined other assistance for residents affected by the Sumatra disaster includes Rp15,000 (US$0,86) per person per day for food and beverages for three months, Rp3 million (US$172) for furniture, and Rp5 million (US$287) in economic assistance.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari