MP states citizen safety must be priority following Solok disaster
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Athari Gauthi Ardi, a member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that the safety of residents affected by the flash floods in Solok, West Sumatra, must be the top priority.
He explained that disaster management should not focus solely on clearing debris and restoring infrastructure. According to him, the condition of residents in the affected areas must be the primary concern.
“We must not be late in acting while citizens are still facing threats. Evacuation, assistance, and the fulfilment of basic community needs must be a shared priority,” Athari said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
To this end, he requested all involved parties to ensure that no residents are left behind, especially children, the elderly, women, and those in need of assistance. He also expressed his deep concern regarding the disaster.
“Infrastructure can be rebuilt, offices can be repaired, and roads can be cleared. However, human safety and lives are irreplaceable,” said the legislator from the West Sumatra I Electoral District, which includes Solok.
He also called upon local governments, alongside the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the TNI (Military), Polri (Police), Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), volunteers, and all relevant parties to strengthen field coordination, including conducting sweeps of the affected areas.
He warned that officers on the ground should not assume conditions are safe simply because floodwaters have begun to recede. According to him, the potential for subsequent flash floods or landslides must be anticipated.
“Communities in high-risk areas must receive clear information and be directed to truly safe locations,” he said.
Consequently, he assured that he would continue to monitor the progress of disaster management and coordinate with relevant parties to ensure the needs of the affected community are addressed immediately.
“Once the evacuation phase is complete, we must ensure that the needs of residents, the restoration of homes, public facilities, road access, and the recovery of community life also receive attention,” he added.
He noted that the disaster serves as a momentum to strengthen disaster mitigation and preparedness systems, particularly in West Sumatra, which is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.
“Mitigation must be strengthened, high-risk areas must be mapped, early warning systems must be operational, and the community must receive adequate education,” he concluded.