Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo wants concrete steps to expedite the rehabilitation of the victims of Mount Sinabungs eruption in North Sumatra and reconstruction of their damaged houses, a spokesman has said.

"Mr President wants concrete steps as soon as possible," the environment and social vulnerability coordination deputy at the Coordinating Ministry for Human and Culture Development, Willem Rampangilei, said here on Friday.

Willem made the statement after President Joko Widodo inspected the areas affected by the eruption of Mount Sinabung earlier this week.

Willem was among the officials who accompanied the President on the inspection tour.

The President has ordered the forestry minister to issue permits to convert 450 hectares of forest land into a resettlement area, Willem added.

The President also ordered to construct a road leading to the resettlement area, he noted.

The Karo district administration will construct the road with the assistance of the National Defense Forces members, he remarked.

"The construction of the road will cost Rp10 billion, which will come from the on-call fund of the National Disaster Mitigation Board (BNPB). Meanwhile, the rehabilitation and reconstruction project will cost Rp1.3 trillion," he pointed out.

During the visit, the President donated 58 trucks and distributed Prosperous Family Cards, Indonesia Health Cards and Indonesia Smart Cards among the victims of the volcanic eruption.

(S012/INE)

Reported by Wuryanti Puspitasari

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