Legislator Urges Government to Accelerate Aid Distribution to Isolated Areas Affected by NTT Earthquake
House of Representatives Commission VIII member from the PDI Perjuangan faction, Selly Andriany Gantina, has urged the government to act quickly in addressing the impact of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province on Saturday (15/8).
Selly stressed that saving people’s lives must be the top priority, alongside accelerating the opening of transport routes to facilitate the distribution of logistical aid.
“The government, through BNPB, the National Police, and the TNI, must immediately conduct sweeps of the affected areas. Make efforts to open routes so that aid and logistics can get through,” said Selly Gantina in her press release on Saturday (15/8).
In addition to expressing deep condolences for those affected, including 38 people reported dead, Selly Gantina called for immediate humanitarian action by sweeping affected locations, examining rubble, and searching for any additional victims.
Meanwhile, the legislator for the West Java VIII electoral district covering Cirebon-Indramayu also appreciated the swift response of the central and regional governments, ministries and agencies, BNPB, Basarnas, the TNI, the National Police, and all elements involved in disaster management.
She assessed that through this swift action, evacuation could be maximised, including conveying information to residents who are still traumatised or fearful.
“I also ask that the data collection of victims and affected communities be carried out quickly, accurately, and comprehensively, together with meeting the needs in evacuation shelters,” added the Acting Regent of Cirebon.
She also requested that logistical assistance such as food, clean water, medicines, health services, medical personnel, and the needs of schoolchildren be available from the outset.
“Children must not lose their sense of safety and opportunity to learn just because they are disaster victims. Likewise, the elderly, women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups must receive special attention,” she said.
She expressed hope that with the spirit of mutual cooperation shown by all parties, maximum handling could be achieved.
“Most importantly, no community in remote places or areas with severed access should feel abandoned,” said the woman who serves as Treasurer of the Megawati Institute.
Selly also encouraged the Ministry of Social Affairs, through the Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB) programme, to strengthen psychosocial support and community assistance in affected areas, including those with severed access. Disaster management, according to her, is not enough with just evacuation and meeting basic needs, but must also ensure the mental recovery of the community.
“The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection must also ensure that women and children receive special protection, including trauma healing, psychological assistance, and safe spaces in evacuation shelters. Disasters must not cause prolonged trauma or new vulnerabilities to violence,” she asserted.
The Chair of the Social Welfare Division of Bamusi also asked BNPB to pay special attention to the evacuation and data collection of tourists in NTT’s tourist destination areas, especially in the Labuan Bajo area and its surroundings.