Kotabaru Open Transmigration for Sinabung Victims

By Imam Hanafi

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - The Kotabaru government plans to open transmigration program intended to accommodate the victims of the eruption of Mount Sinabung, in Karo, North Sumatra.

Regent Kotabaru H Irhami Ridjani at a coordination meeting with the heads of regional work units (SKPD) here on Monday, said  Kotabaru ready to accommodate at least 100 families of the victims.

"To Head of Manpower, Transmigration and Social Agency Please coordinate with the Forestry Agency to prepare the land for the transmigration inhabitants," he said.

If possible, said Irhami, Kotabaru also receive Batak and Balinese residents, not just citizens of the island of Java 

for the transmigration program.

Regent asked the land to be provided to build a unit of transmigration settlements and the construction of public 

facilities.

"If necessary Kotabaru will also offer what is now the status of Other Usage Area (APL) , to be the location of 

transmigration, which can accommodate the victims , " he said.

According to the Regent , if all the regions would take part to receive Sinabung disaster victims, which has now become a national disaster, then the issue will be completed.

Kotabaru Manpower, Transmigration and Social Agency Head, Taufik Rifani, said the current requirement for transmigration sites is a minimum of 100 hectares (ha), in contrast to the previous year to 500 ha. "The 100 hectares land is for 100 residents, " he said.

Rifani added, he will coordinate with PT Inhutani II in Kotabaru, considering most of his business tenure status of 

land still available with APL.

The data obtained in Disaster Management Post Sinabung in Kabanjahe, Tuesday (14/1), the number of refugees increased to 26 088 people or 8,103 families (KK ). Previously, Monday (13/1) the number of refugees reached only 25.810 people or 8,040 households. Tens of thousands of refugees came from 34 villages and 2 hamlets in Karo District.