The Social Affairs Ministry has ensured to fulfill all meal requirements of refugees of Mount Semeru’s eruption following requests from residents in need of food assistance at refugee camps in Lumajang District, East Java.

“There is funding for all types of food assistance and is supported by the national budget, which is intended for refugees and residents affected by the Mount Semeru disaster,” the ministry’s Secretary of the Director General of Social Protection and Security, Robben Rico, noted in a release here, Thursday.

Rico detailed the locations of the refugees, with some being in family homes and schools, though it was confirmed that the ministry will provide aid to all local residents affected by Mount Semeru’s increased activity.

“It is not true that we do not give when people seek food assistance. For instance, it is known that as many as 7,800 rice packs were distributed in Sumberwuluh Village, and as much as two thousand packages of rice (were distributed) in a day in Jarit Village, of course, for those who were registered,” he elaborated.

He noted that food would certainly be sent for the registered residents. However, the assistance would also be provided to those that had yet to be registered.

“For instance, there is a community of residents asking for 20 packs of meals to be given, and of course (it will be given). In such cases, it is not fixed, so it is not the same every day. This means it can fluctuate,” he stated.

Rico took the time to personally inspect the tents set up by the ministry. It included booths for families and tents that are open to everyone.

“I also accompanied storytellers for children to relieve their trauma and observed the soup kitchen managed by the disaster mitigation team (Tagana),” Rico added.

Source: Antara News