Evacuees of Mount Lewotobi Eruption Guaranteed Voting Rights in Upcoming Elections
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Home Affairs has assured evacuated residents from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption can vote in the Regional Head Elections on November 27, 2024.
Bima Arya Sugiarto, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, stated that evacuees only need an information card or identity card to vote. Approximately 13,000 people in the eruption area are eligible to vote at 29 polling stations.
To support the voting process for evacuees, the ministry is coordinating with relevant parties. Sugiarto plans to visit the area on Sunday, November 24, to ensure that the rights of evacuees are met. He confirmed that all evacuees, whether they left independently or went to government shelters, can participate in the election.
The ministry will oversee all voting preparations, including polling stations and logistics at evacuation sites.
What measures is the Ministry of Home Affairs implementing to support evacuees’ voting rights in the upcoming elections?
Interview with Bima Arya Sugiarto, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Sugiarto. Can you provide some insights into the efforts being made to ensure that residents evacuated due to the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption can participate in the upcoming Regional Head Elections?
Bima Arya Sugiarto: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for us that every eligible citizen, including those who have faced displacement due to the eruption, can exercise their right to vote. We have confirmed that all evacuated residents will be able to cast their ballots on November 27, 2024, using their information card or identity card.
News Directory 3: How many evacuees are we expecting to participate, and what measures are in place to facilitate their voting?
Bima Arya Sugiarto: Currently, there are approximately 13,000 individuals in the affected area who are eligible to vote. We have set up 29 polling stations to accommodate them. Our ministry is actively coordinating with various agencies to ensure that all logistical needs are met, including transportation to polling stations if necessary.
News Directory 3: What are your plans for assessing the situation on the ground?
Bima Arya Sugiarto: I will be visiting the evacuation area on Sunday, November 24. The aim of this visit is to directly observe the conditions and confirm that all evacuees, whether they have sought shelter at government facilities or stayed with relatives, will be able to participate in the election. It’s important that everyone’s voting rights are honored, regardless of their circumstances.
News Directory 3: Could you share any updates regarding the evacuation process and the status of the evacuees?
Bima Arya Sugiarto: Certainly. According to reports from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the number of evacuees has now decreased to 12,673, down from 12,761, as many have transitioned to staying with family members. We have seven designated evacuation centers where the BNPB and the Ministry of Social Affairs are actively managing the situation.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Mr. Sugiarto, for this important information. Is there anything else you would like to add regarding the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these residents during the elections?
Bima Arya Sugiarto: We are fully committed to ensuring every evacuee can vote and that their needs are met during this challenging time. We encourage everyone to stay informed and prepared for the elections, and we will continue to communicate updates as we move closer to the date.
News Directory 3: We appreciate your time and the valuable insights shared today. Thank you.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that evacuees from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, are gradually leaving integrated evacuation centers. Many have moved to the homes of relatives.
As of Tuesday, the number of evacuees decreased to 12,673 from 12,761, with individuals distributed across seven evacuation centers managed by BNPB and the Ministry of Social Affairs.