Tsunami; Minister Stresses Importance of Building Code

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono spoke of the importance of building code in areas prone to disasters. He made the statement in regards to the Sunda Strait tsunami that struck the coastal areas of Banten and Lampung on Saturday night last week.

The minister wants buildings to meet the required codes so that they will be more adaptive and resilient to disasters. The ministry, he said, plans to start regulating it more next year.

"Starting in early 2019, we will intensify building code socialization to areas especially those prone to disasters," Basuki was quoted as saying in his press release, Monday, December 24, 2018.

Basuki visited the Mutiara Carita Cottage in Banten, Sunday. The hotel is located in one the areas with the severest level of damage.

Read also: Jokowi Departs to Banten to Check Handling of Tsunami Disaster

According to the minister, the main priority right now and for the next seven days in Pandeglang and South Lampung is evacuation and debris cleaning. To help clean the road, the Ministry dispatched a number of heavy machineries including seven excavators, 12 dump trucks and two loaders.

The ministry also sent 16 water tankers, two toilet cars and 20 public hydrants for clean water and sanitation. Additional help will be sent from Jakarta and Banten.

ANTARA