Jakarta, hitclubapk3 Indonesia
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PTPN IV PalmCo, a subholding of PTPN III (Persero), took part in moving quickly to restore areas affected by the Sumatara floods by opening isolated access, distributing logistics, health services and emergency communications from the first day of the disaster for thousands of affected residents.
“Recovery efforts after the floods and landslides in a number of areas of Sumatra continue to be accelerated, PalmCo has been one of the parties that has moved quickly since the first day the disaster hit the area,” said PTPN IV PalmCo Main Director Jatmiko K. Santosa in an official statement.
Jatmiko said the main focus was directed at opening access to isolated areas, distributing basic aid, health services, and providing emergency communications in areas without a signal.
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As of Wednesday (10/12), PalmCo’s support reached 12 affected districts/cities, starting from East Aceh, North Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, Langsa, Medan, Langkat, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, Mandailing Natal, Sibolga, West Pasaman, to Fifty Cities.
“We have to ensure that no time is wasted. When people need it, PalmCo is one of the front lines,” said Jatmiko.
Jatmiko said that one of the biggest obstacles after the disaster was the cut off of road access to settlements.Mud material, puddles of water and landslides isolated a number of villages for several days.
To speed up the movement of aid, PalmCo deployed 24 heavy equipment to various critical points.A number of villages in Langsa, Aceh Tamiang to South Tapanuli and Central Tapanuli, such as Bandar Siais, Bandar Tarutung, Benteng, Lobu Uhom, Huta Godang, to Garoga, were successfully reconnected after clearing the route.
In Hapesong Baru Village, cleaning up mud material allowed logistics vehicles to enter after previously access was completely closed.
“Opening access is very decisive. Once the road is open, the speed of aid distribution increases significantly,” said Jatmiko.
PalmCo recorded the distribution of large amounts of logistical aid since the beginning of the disaster.As of December 10, more than 20 tons of rice, two tons of eggs, 150 thousand packs of instant noodles and around 570 tons of cooking oil were ready to be distributed to the affected villages.
Apart from that, thousands of mineral water, ready-to-eat food, blankets and medicines were also sent in stages to complement the clean water assistance, which had been provided since the water receded.
The company also helped set up public kitchens, evacuation posts and emergency health posts at a number of points.A total of 45 safety and health posts have currently accommodated more than 5,500 displaced residents.
“Flooding not only damages infrastructure, but also increases the risk of disease. Therefore, health services must be available around the clock,” said Jatmiko.
Apart from logistics and health services, PalmCo also opens emergency communication access in areas experiencing telecommunications network outages.This facility helps residents contact their families, get information, and speed up coordination with local governments.
“When the signal is lost, residents are in uncertainty. Emergency communication becomes a very basic need,” said Jatmiko.
(har)
