Post-Quake Rehabilitation, Reconstruction must be Carried Out Immediately, President Jokowi Says

Photo caption: President Jokowi and Pramono Anung talk before a limited meeting on Friday (16/12)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that the rehabilitation and reconstruction processes in the wake of 6.4 Richter scale earthquake that occurred on Wednesday (7/12) in Pidie Jaya, Aceh, must be carried out immediately. “I will also ask Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) to assist the reconstruction process that will be carried out immediately to buildings which suffer from severe, moderate, or minor damages,” President Jokowi said during a limited meeting on Friday (16/12), at the Presidential Office, Jakarta.

According to the President, he has visited areas affected by the earthquake namely Pidie Jaya and Bireuen. “I noticed that the handling on the first 3 days after the quake was very quick and well-organized,” President Jokowi added.

Meanwhile, on his second visit on Thursday (15/12), the President said he wanted to ensure that the people get help, access to services and good handling.

“It starts from the health service, assistance for the bereaved families, logistic supply for affected residents, assistance for children, to the reconstruction of public facilities, be it Government offices, schools, mosques, and houses,” President Jokowi said.

Therefore, the President said he had also instructed Head of National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to provide report, as well as to consolidate and coordinate measures, particularly regarding the number of areas affected and aids needed by the people. “I want all post-disaster handling, rehabilitation, and reconstruction be implemented immediately,” the President said.

Also attending the meeting were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartanto, Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of National Development Planning Agency Bambang Brodjonegoro, and Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa. (FID/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)