MPR CHAIRMAN REMINDS GOVT OF SITU GINTUNG DISASTER VICTIMS

Tangerang, Apr 2 (ANTARA) - Chairman of the People's Consultative Council (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid had decided to remind the government at central and provincial level to continued handling to their best of their capacity the problems facing the victims of the Situ Gintung disaster.

The MPR chairman made the remark during a conversation with hundreds of Gintung residents at Jabalur Rahmah Mosque in Cirendeu, East Ciputat, South Tangerang, on Thursday night.

He said he will remind President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, as well as Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah.

"The most important task of the state is protecting its people," he said.

He also called on donors and humanitarian institutions to continue their assistance to the victims.

Hidayat also listened to some of the residents asking him about concrete assistance which they may receive because many of the victims has lost all their property and belongings.

He said emergency aid in the form of food and clothing will be continued. While the need for a place to stay, he said, must be met in a comprehensive way to prevent conflict among the residents themselves because of envy.

On the occasion, the MPR chairman also contributed assistance including prayer's gear and the Al Quran holy book.