President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo has asked relevant ministers to act swiftly to provide shelter or housing and jobs for people displaced by the eruption of Mount Sinabung in Karo regency, North Sumatra
resident Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo has asked relevant ministers to act swiftly to provide shelter or housing and jobs for people displaced by the eruption of Mount Sinabung in Karo regency, North Sumatra.
The President said that of the 370 houses planned for displace people, only 130 had been built and the construction of other houses had to be expedited so that those living in the danger zone could move into the housing as soon as possible.
'In all matters relating to Mt. Sinabung, we have to respond swiftly,' he said after a limited Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani and Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa, among others.
The President said a swift response was necessary so that the displaced received adequate attention and services from the government.
Kompas.com reported that the government had expanded the danger zone after the volcano spewed hot clouds, ash and other volcanic material that reached as far as Medan, more than 70 kilometers away.
The volcano has erupted several times since September 2013, displacing thousands of local people and damaging thousands of hectares of farmland in the regency. Tens of thousands of villagers have refused to take refuge and have opted to remain to guard their homes, cattle and crops. (rms)(+++)
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