Antara 1 Jan 19;
S Lampung, (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo ((Jokowi) said that nearly 90 percent of residents of Sebesi island in Lampung province, who survived the Dec 22, 2018 tsunami in Sunda Strait, want to be resettled to other areas.
"I just asked the Sebesi residents. In essence, they want to be resettled to higher ground. They all are no longer brave enough to live in coastal areas," he stated, after holding a dialog with survivors of the tsunami, on Wednesday.
The tsunami survivors of Sebesi Island are currently taking refuge in the Kalianda indoor tennis court in South Lampung district.
The president noted that they will be resettled on the same island.
"But they will live on higher ground on the island," he added.
He further remarked that most of tsunami survivors of Way Muli village in Rajabasa sub-district, South Lampung district, also wanted to be resettled.
"Those who live in Way Muli have also filed the same request. Only one or two residents want to live in the coastal area. But almost 90 percent of them want to be resettled to higher ground," he explained.
The president added that he had ordered his ranks and files to build resettlement on two hectares of land in Way Muli, which is located some 400 meters from the shoreline.
During the visit, the president was accompanied by Social Affairs Minister Agus Gumiwang, Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek, Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, National Defense Force Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian, and Chief of Presidential Staff Moeldoko.
Reporting by Hanni Sofia
Editing by Suharto
Editor: Suharto
