Ministry Deploys Relief Tents for Lewotobi Eruption Victims
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, The Social Affairs Ministry has set up multiple aid tents to support residents affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara.
These tents serve not only as temporary shelters but also as service centers for distributing logistics and providing social protection services to displaced families.
“This is more than just shelter,” said Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf on Thursday. “These tents function as service hubs, points for aid distribution, and centers for regional disaster support.”
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Thursday afternoon, sending a column of volcanic ash soaring more than 10,000 meters above the crater. The eruption follows a similar event in November 2024.
Minister Yusuf emphasized that establishing shelters and emergency services is critical to speeding up the recovery process—physically, socially, and psychologically—for those affected.
According to data from the ministry, 1,140 families—or 4,954 individuals—have been impacted by the eruption. Of those, 713 families (2,359 people) are currently taking refuge at a field post in the Titehena sub-district.
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“There have been no fatalities, but the emergency situation requires residents in hazardous zones to be evacuated,” Yusuf said.
The shelters provided by the ministry are equipped with public kitchens and basic service facilities to support the daily needs of evacuees.
Public kitchens have been established in several villages, including Kanada, Koma, Pokan, Lewolaga, Ile Gerong, Kabumsama, and Ibutobi, ensuring that residents affected by the eruption receive proper meals.
“Proper refugee care in tents is essential to accelerate victims’ recovery—physically, socially, and emotionally,” the minister added.
As of this year, the ministry has distributed approximately Rp5 billion (US$297,000) in aid. This amount does not include assistance provided at the end of 2024, which was reportedly higher.
In addition, the ministry has deployed its Disaster Alert Cadet (Tagana) teams to assist with evacuations, deliver essential services, and support ongoing relief efforts.
“We are coordinating closely with the regional disaster mitigation agency (BPBD), local and provincial social offices, police, and the military. Our priority is accurate data collection, ensuring protection, and delivering logistics to those who truly need it,” Yusuf said. (BL)