Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs Provide Assistance to Extension Workers of Lombok Earthquake Victims

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - An earthquake measuring 7SR which shook Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries and severe damage to buildings. Residents who survived and were affected by the earthquake now live in refugee camps. Deep sympathy and assistance to victims continues to flow from the government and people of Indonesia.

Seven Field Cooperative Extension Officers (PPKL) were also victims of the earthquake. Their homes were destroyed and now they have to stay in refugee tents with their families. Knowing that the extension agents were victims of the earthquake, the Minister of Cooperatives and UKM Puspayoga immediately instructed the Deputy for Institutional Affairs, Untung Tri Basuki to provide assistance to ease the burden on the extension workers. The PPKL in various regions also showed solidarity by gathering assistance for their friends, victims of the Lombok earthquake.

 "PPKL is the spearhead in the field of coaching tasks that are the responsibility of the Government and Regional Government to the Cooperative and Community Movement that will establish cooperatives through cooperative and socialization counselling tasks. For this reason, the Minister always cared and paid attention to the existence of PPKL spread in 33 Provinces in Indonesia, "said Untung, Monday (8/13).

He explained on Friday, August 10, a team from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises led by Bagus Rachman, Deputy Assistant for Counseling with representatives of PPKL departed for Lombok to visit PPKL who were victims of the earthquake.

"The team's visit to the PPKL who were victims of the Lombok earthquake was a concern and quick response to reduce the burden of life they were experiencing. The team has submitted assistance in the form of cash, medicine and food, "said Untung.

Among the victims, a PPKL named Baiq Nurhadayati Sarah turned out to give birth along with a 6.2 magnitude aftershock that occurred Thursday, August 9. Now, Baiq Nurhadayati Sarah, a resident of Gondang Village, Gangga District, North Lombok, lives with her husband in a refugee tent with a baby who is only a few days old.

Concerned conditions were also experienced by Yuli Wardani, PPKL who was 4 months pregnant, taking refuge with her family after the earthquake destroyed their home in Teluk Kode Hamlet, Malaka Village, Pemenang Subdistrict.

"Hopefully PPKL in the areas of North Lombok, East Lombok and West Lombok who are victims can pass through these difficult times and return to duty," said Untung.

The collection of donations by PPKL continues through the Tintin Rustiani account as one of the Chairmen of the PPKL Forum for the province of West Java.