Social Affairs Minister Idrus Marham handed over life insurance aid, worth Rp6.9 billion, to the victims of Mount Sinabung eruption in temporary shelters in the third phase of relocation in Karo district, North Sumatra Province.

"The president has given directives to provide assistance to children who are hit by the disaster. This is a form of the country`s responsibility to its people," he told the evacuees of Sinabung in Kabanjahe on Monday.

The aid was distributed to 7,690 evacuees from the sub-districts of Namanteran, Simpang Empat, and Tiganderket.

He was accompanied by Director General of Social Protection and Social Security, Harry Hikmat; Head of Tanah Karo District, Terkelin Brahmana; and other officials while distributing the symbolic life insurance to the evacuee representatives.

He remarked that since the beginning of Mount Sinabung eruption until now, the government has handed over a total of assistance of Rp79 billion to the evacuees.

"Please use the money for the benefit of the families," he urged.

He added that the government would continue to pay attention to the Indonesian society, including the victims of the disaster.

He also asked Brahmana to record the number of poor evacuees, who will be included in the Family Hope Program or rice social assistance program. (ANTARA)