jpnn.com, JAWA TIMUR - President Joko Widodo has confirmed several priority steps for handling the eruption of Mount Semeru in Lumajang regency, East Java.
The eruption of Mount Semeru that occurred on Saturday (4/12) has caused damage to infrastructure and casualties.
ALSO SEE: Jokowi Arrives in Lumajang to Monitor Semeru Aftermath
The President, accompanied by Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, paid a working visit to East Java on Tuesday (7/12) and planned to repair the damaged infrastructure.
"We hope that everything can start soon, whether it's repairing infrastructure or possibly relocating residents from places that we think are dangerous to be inhabited again," said Jokowi.
ALSO SEE: Update: 28 People Die Due to Mount Semeru Eruption
The President said there were around 2,000 houses that would be relocated to safer places.
"We will immediately decide where the new places will be," he said.
ALSO SEE: Survivor of Mount Semeru Eruption Tells Her Story
PUPR Ministry's director general, Hedy Rahadian, said his ministry's focus was to ensure access to disaster-affected locations.
"Our job is to support emergency response efforts, cleaning the facilities and infrastructure," he said.
For the relocation of residents, according to Hedy, his party is waiting for the Geological Agency to determine the safe places.
For an alternative route connecting Lumajang, Turen, and Malang after the collapse of the Besuk Koboan Bridge, the ministry will build a temporary bridge in the next 2 months for pedestrians and two-wheeled vehicles, as well as emergency ambulances.
The repair of the Besuk Koboan Bridge is estimated to take about one year.
The PUPR Ministry, through the East Java Regional Settlement Infrastructure Center (BPPW), has mobilized 10 units of public hydrants with a capacity of 2,000 liters to support the needs of refugees.
In addition, the East Java BPPW has provided four water tank cars with a capacity of 4,000 liters, six emergency shelter tents, three toilets, 11 beds, six 4x4 tents, one dump truck, one cabin car, and 16 emergency response personnel. (mcr18/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Jokowi Ingin Merelokasi 2.000 Rumah Terdampak Erupsi Gunung Semeru