Jokowi Orders Immediate Response to South Kalimantan Floods

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has instructed his officials to take immediate actions in managing the impacts of floods in South Kalimantan.

“First, on the issue of infrastructure damage. Several bridges have collapsed due to the flooding. One of the collapsed bridges can be seen from here,” said the President, popularly known as Jokowi, in a televised statement on Monday, January 18.

To repair the damage, Jokowi has ordered Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), to get the work done in three to four days so that the distribution of goods will run smoothly.

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The President also gave his second instruction to evacuate the affected residents. So far, he added, the evacuation process has been handled well.

His third instruction was related to logistics distribution. Jokowi said that nearly 20,000 people have been affected. Therefore, logistics must be sufficient to meet the needs of all residents.

“These three things are important to be implemented and the central government will help in other matters, apart from the logistics that are done by the provincial, and local administrations,” said Jokowi.

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The floods hit nearly 10 districts and cities. He said that they are the biggest since 50 years ago. Heavy downpour for almost 10 consecutive days made the Barito River overflowing.
Jokowi expressed his deep sorrow for the victims who died in the catastrophic floods.

“Hopefully the families of the victims will be patient and strengthened,” said Jokowi.
South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor on Friday, January 15, has raised the emergency alert status to emergency response.

(Writer: Fitria Chusna Farisa | Editor: Kristian Erdianto)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/01/18/15140331/tiga-instruksi-jokowi-soal-penanganan-banjir-di-kalsel-perbaikan?page=all#page2.