Relocation Plan for Residents Hampered

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PANDEGLANG, KOMPAS — Plans to relocate residents affected by the tsunami in Banten and Lampung have been hampered by a number of problems. The constraints are related to the availability of land, the willingness of the residents to move and funding.

The disaster relocation plan for residents affected by the tsunami, especially those living along the coast of Pandeglang in Banten, faces a number of constraints related to the availability of land and people’s willingness to move.

The local government of the Pandeglang regency said it was not easy to prepare new livelihoods for coastal residents. Similar obstacles also arose in South Lampung.

Pandeglang Regent Irna Narulita said the government had found it difficult to obtain the ideal land to relocate residents in Pandegelang who were affected by the tsunami in the Sunda Strait last week. In addition, the relocation plan must also consider a number of important aspects, such as people\'s willingness to move to a new location, substitute jobs and new social environments.

"It needs a special approach so that the residents will be willing to relocate. We also considered using an area on high ground for the relocation site so it will be safe," Irna said during a meeting in Labuan district, Pandeglang, on Thursday.

She said the tsunami survivors -- especially those living on the coastline such as in the districts of Carita, Labuan, Panimbang, and Sumur -- should be relocated. Most settlements in the regions are less than 100 meters from the coast.

"They will be relocated to a safe place at least 1 kilometer from the beaches as recommended by the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency). It is important in order to avoid a tsunami in the future," said Irna.

The chief of the 0601 military command in Pandeglang, Lieut. Col. (Inf) Nur Heru Wibawa, said one of the alternative locations for a relocation site would be the Taman Hutan Raya (Tahura) forest conservation area in Carita district. The area should be considered because it can also be developed into a tourism village in the future. However, it needs careful consideration and must involve the government and related parties.

Disaster-prone

Previously, the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Willem Rampangilei, said the southern part of the Sunda Strait was a high-risk area.

Meanwhile, the local government of South Lampung regency is also committed to immediately provide a relocation site for coastal residents whose homes were destroyed by the tsunami last week. However, the success of the relocation efforts depends on the willingness of the residents to move.

"If we stay there, we are worried that a tsunami will occur again," said the head of the housing and settlement office of the South Lampung regency, Burhanuddin, at the Kalianda tennis court evacuation site in South Lampung.

Burhanuddin added that the relocation site had not been determined yet and that any decision to should be based on the willingness of the people. The local government will hold a meeting with the people to inform them about the relocation plan soon. It is expected that the construction of the new settlement will begin next year.

Up until Thursday, based on data from the South Lampung government, as many as 707 houses were severely and moderately damaged by the tsunami, which was believed to have been caused by the eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano on Saturday night.

The latest data from the Sunda Strait tsunami disaster management post in Banten, up until Thursday afternoon, shows the death toll in Banten rose to 306 people. In addition, as many as 32,538 were evacuated and 757 injured in Pandeglang and Serang.

Residents were open to the relocation plan, said Ali Maki, 36, who stays in Way Muli village, South Lampung. He has asked the government to help him build a new house on his own land in another area, which is far from the coast.

Husniati, 35, an evacuee from Sebesi Island, said she would be willing to be relocated to another area if asked by the government. "To avoid another disaster, it\'s better to move. We are traumatized," she said.

Some refused

The relocation plan was opposed by some survivors who lived on the coast and who are mostly fishermen. Endang, 36, a resident of Karang Mempek village, Tanjungjaya village, Panimbang district, said he did not want to move from his village even though some houses were damaged.

"If I move from the coast, I can no longer make money. How will I support my children and wife?" said Endang on Thursday afternoon. His house is about 50 m from the coast. Endang lost his boat and fishing gear to the tsunami.

Living next door to him is Noah, 70. The wall at the back of his house was damaged. From the living room, you can see the beach. When the tsunami struck, the water dragged Noah, his wife and grandchildren into the living room. However, he is reluctant to move. "If I move, where will my child work? It would be better if my house is repaired."

Meanwhile, some residents in Pandeglang said they were willing to be relocated.

Elyana, 42, a food seller in Cipanon, for example, wants to be relocated as long as the place is located next to a road. She sells nasi uduk (coconut rice). During holidays, she earns between Rp 500,000 and Rp 1 million.

"I am a single parent. I have three children who I take care of. If I am relocated, I may lose my business. Who will pay for my children’s necessities?" said Elyana.

Jakri, 40, a resident of Teluk village, Labuan district, also agreed with the relocation plan. He is worried that another tsunami might strike again. His house is only 200 m from the coast. "I agree with it as long

as the house to be provided is ready to live in and the area is safe," Jakri said. (ILO/NIA/MTK/BAY/ E10/E17/SPW/IGA)

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banten lampung sunda strait tsunami