The National Alms Agency (Baznas) has begun to plan permanent housing for Mount Semeru eruption survivors from the Pronojiwo and Candipuro Subdistricts in Lumajang District, East Java Province.
“The aid is regarded as very important to assist the people in getting out of the post-eruption crisis and return to their normal life,” said Saidah Sakwan, Head of Baznas’ Distribution and Utilization Department, in a written statement received here on Friday.
She stated that Baznas is working with the Lumajang district authority and the Ministry of Public Works and Public Home (PUPR) to discuss the permanent housing construction program.
According to her, the program is one of the agency’s top priorities for supporting individuals affected by Mount Semeru’s eruption on December 4, 2021, as well as fostering the local community’s economic rehabilitation.
“Thankfully, our efforts have elicited positive responses from a wide range of stakeholders. We are extremely glad for the opportunity to help others “She mentioned this.
She mentioned that Baznas had spread humanitarian aid for the general good.
“For example, shortly after the eruption, Baznas despatched a team to provide humanitarian assistance, such as assisting with the evacuation process, constructing a public kitchen, supplying clean water, and giving psychosocial services to communities surrounding the volcano,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the District Head of Lumajang, Thoriqul Haq, hailed the agency’s assistance.
According to him, the collaboration between Baznas and the Lumajang district authority will speed up the region’s recovery by allowing residents’ activities to resume as soon as possible.
“We and Baznas are still discussing cooperative financing for the initiative in order to make it in accordance with our establishing priority, since we are now creating a number of public facilities, such as worship places, schools, and markets,” he added.