Jakarta, IO – A total of 385 Indonesian citizens from Sudan arrived at the hajj dormitory, Pondok Gede, Bekasi on Friday (28/4). They were transported there using 12 Transjakarta buses after landing at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Cengkareng, Tangerang, at 5.45 am WIB.
Coordinating Human Development and Culture Ministry assisten deputy director for post-disaster management Nelwan Harahap said the batch comprised 284 women, 137 men and 43 children. They will be temporarily housed at the dormitory before being transported back to their respective hometowns.
A number of them are sick or too exhausted and had to be admitted to an emergency room. Nelwan said they had traveled for nearly 40 hours from Khartoum, Sudan and flew back to Indonesia via Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“Eight people are sick and are currently being examined. If there is a need for further treatment, we can refer them to Jakarta Hajj Hospital,” Nelwan said.
Nelwan ensured that the Indonesian government, through various agencies, including Social Affairs Ministry and Foreign Ministry, have been put on standby to provide necessary assistance.
Social Affairs Ministry director for protection of natural and non-natural disaster victims Mira Riyati Kurniasih said that the ministry has prepared the logistical needs from April 28 to May 5 during the quarantine period. They will receive three meals a day needs three times a day as well as other necessities.
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In addition, they will also be given psychosocial couseling services by seven psychologists on duty. A playground will also be provided for children. Mira revealed that more than Rp1 billion of fund has been allocated by the Social Affairs Ministry to provide assistance for the evacuees. They will be sheltered in three towers in the hajj dormitory compound.
The government has planned to carry out the second and third stage of evacuation in end of April and early May. (un)