Sandjaja: Jakarta and its surroundings were hit with heavy rain during the last days and large parts of the city are under water. Currently, about 70 percent of the city is flooded and the weather forecasts predict more rains to come. In many parts of Jakarta, there is still no electricity and the telephone network is down.
Allianz Indonesia coping with Jakarta floods
Allianz.com News: What is the situation right now in Jakarta?
About 70 percent of Jakarta is flooded
Is all your staff well?
Sandjaja: In the last two days, we have managed to reach most of our 640 employees and over 4,000 agents living in the greater Jakarta area. So far we know of some 176 families affected: Their homes are either severely damaged or have been flushed away. But I am happy to say that as far as we know none of our staff or agents have been hurt or had to be hospitalized.
It must have been difficult to reach everyone…
Reisch: Some years ago we developed a Crisis Management System called the "Calling Tree". Through our "Calling Tree", we can reach everybody using text messages via the mobile phone. This is the most reliable way to stay in touch. We can also activate this system from home in case we don't have access to our offices.
We have organized two trucks with emergency aid, food and drinking water as well as doctors to reach our employees and agents in the worst affected areas. The trucks are also distributing emergency supplies for other flood victims in these areas.
Jens Reisch, President Director of Allianz Life Indonesia
How do you get into contact with affected customers?
Sandjaja: We have initiated an "Allianz Indonesia Special Claims Hotline", which will be announced through a news ticker on the main local TV news station. Our hotline is available 24 hours a day to organize help for affected clients. So far, the claims concern mainly our motor and property insurance lines. Customers are glad to have the opportunity to talk about their sorrows and situations, and also about their worries of getting help.
This is not the first time that a major natural disaster has hit Indonesia in recent years. How do you cope?
Reisch: What we see in Jakarta is in line with what many climate scientists are predicting: an increase in the severity of rainfalls, also over Indonesia.
Also, our experience in handling previous disasters, such as the 2004 Tsunami or 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, helps us now to act quickly and efficiently.
Our mission is to make Allianz in Indonesia the first choice for customers, business partners and employees. Dramatic events like this one are the moments of truth that bring us closer together in the fulfilment of this mission.
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