Rajiv Delivers PIP and KIP to Children of Cisarua Landslide Victims

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the NasDem faction, Rajiv, delivered financial education assistance through the Programme Indonesia Pintar (PIP) to children who were victims of the landslide in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency, West Java, on Friday (6 March). During an iftar gathering with the disaster victims in Cisarua, Rajiv expressed his commitment to help the affected children.

‘Here, the affected children — primary, middle, and high school students — can receive PIP from me; include everyone into PIP until their schooling is complete. So really, the disaster-impacted, especially orphans. I ask for data so they can access that programme,’ Rajiv said.

He asked the village head to document the children affected to obtain PIP. He stressed that he would help until the education of the children affected is completed, particularly those who have lost their parents or are orphans.

‘Especially for the children, particularly orphans, if necessary up to getting KIP (Kartu Indonesia Pintar). From primary to high school until KIP,’ the member of Commission IV of the DPR said.

Rajiv explained that he wants to ensure the education of the disaster-affected children continues. At least one major issue for the families can be resolved concerning their children’s education.

‘At minimum, one schooling problem is resolved; then we can think about other problems together with the regional government and other ministries,’ he said.

In addition, Rajiv also wants to listen directly to the condition of farmer groups affected by the landslide in Pasirlangu. He said many horticultural farmers in the landslide area have lost land and their livelihoods.

‘I’m also here to meet the affected farmer groups. How can these horticulturalists be brought back to life, but not on the land they had yesterday,’ Rajiv said.

Currently, the Bandung Barat regency and West Java provincial governments, as the landowners of the site, are considering relocating the farmland. Once the location is determined by the local government, Rajiv assured that his side is ready to help meet the needs of the horticultural farmers so they can resume their farming activities.

‘Later, when the land is designated by the province or regency, our task is to provide what the horticultural farmers need so that these farmers can live again, continue their lives, and be able to support their families,’ he added.

Furthermore, Rajiv highlighted the high disaster risk in West Bandung, partly due to land-use change. He said the area currently planted with horticulture used to be pine forest with an important function in absorbing water. When the trees were felled, he said, the risk of disasters increased.

‘Bandung Barat has a high disaster potential because of land-use changes. The main cause is land-use change. It used to be pine forest, cleared for horticulture, which meant there were no roots and no water absorption; that is the problem,’ he said.

‘I extend my condolences to those who lost relatives. Going forward, together we will manage how the future of the orphans left by their families can still complete their schooling,’ Rajiv concluded.