Chancellor of the Jakarta Veterans National Development University (UPNVJ) Dr. Erna Hernawati, Ak, CPMA, CA, CGOP expressed concern over the eruption of Mount Semeru in East Java and immediately took steps to form UPNVJ Cares for Semeru.
"We express our concern and condolences for all victims and families affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru. We hope that you will receive strength and always be in the environment of God Almighty," said the Chancellor in a written statement delivered in Jakarta, Sunday (5/12/2021 ).
The UPNVJ leadership has formed the UPNVJ Cares for Semeru movement to raise aid for victims and affected families. The Chancellor said this was a form of UPNVJ's concern as the State Defense Campus to participate in overcoming the problems faced by the Indonesian nation.
The Chancellor also appealed to all UPNVJ academics to set aside funds or donate items needed by the victims and families affected by the Mount Semeru eruption.
"We invite all academics, including students, lecturers, education staff, and parents of students to be able to participate in helping the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption," he said.
The Chancellor said that fundraising and other assistance would be carried out centrally so that it could be accounted for to the community.
Deputy Chancellor for Student Affairs and Cooperation Dr. dr. Ria Maria Theresa Sp.Kj MH said UPNVJ collaborated with various parties to raise aid for victims and families affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru.
"We are involving the UPNVJ Alumni Association (IKA UPNVJ) in raising aid and also coordinating with UPN Veteran Yogyakarta and UPN Veteran East Java for the distribution of aid because the location is quite heavy because many bridges are cut off," he said.
Ria said that based on information, victims and families affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru needed help with clothes and food, especially baby clothes, baby food, milk and blankets.
"The information we got is that there are still many residents who are isolated because the bridge which is the means of evacuation has collapsed," he explained.
For academics and the public who wish to donate funds or goods through UPNVJ, they can submit it through the UPNVJ Semeru Care Post in the Rector's Lobby, UPNVJ Pondok Labu Campus, South Jakarta. Assistance funds can also be transferred to BNI account number 808-8600-677 on behalf of UPN Veteran Jakarta.
Mount Semeru, which is in Lumajang Regency, East Java, erupted on Saturday (4/12/2021) at 15.30 WIB. According to data submitted by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on Sunday (5/12/2021) at 09.20 WIB, 13 residents were reported to have died as a result of this incident and only two people had been identified.
A number of villages in several sub-districts in Lumajang Regency were affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru, including Pronojiwo, Candiipuro, Ampelgading, Tirtoyudo, Pagelaran, Wajak, Kepanjen, Dampit, Bantur and Turen. A total of 902 affected residents fled at several points.
Based on the monitoring report of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the status of Mount Semeru is Level II or "Alert" with the air condition around the top of the mountain reaching high pollution levels which can have a negative impact on vulnerable groups, namely the elderly, pregnant women, disabled, and children.