President Jokowi Calls for Anticipative Measures Following Banten Quake
President Jokowi accompanied by a number of ministers answers reporters’ question at the Merdeka Palace Courtyard, Jakarta, Friday (2/8). (Photo by: Oji/PR)
Following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted Sumur in Banten province on Friday (2/8) evening, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said he continued to monitor the situation on the ground.
“I closely monitor the situation and alhamdulillah the Tsunami warning has just been lifted,” the President told reporters after watching Wayang Kulit Performance entitled “Kresno Jumeneng Ratu” in the commemoration of 74th Indonesian Independence held at the Merdeka Palace Courtyard, Jakarta, Friday (2/8).
According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake was recorded 147 kilometers southwest of Sumur, Banten at a depth of 10 km with shocks felt in Jakarta and Bandung, West Java.
The President has also ordered the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and Minister of Social Affairs to take an anticipative and prompt response.
Regarding the handling of residents affected by the quake, the President said that he has also ordered to evacuate them in response to the issuance of tsunami warning. The President also called on the public to remain vigilant and calm.
Update: the BNPB has reported death toll following the Banten quake has continued to rise to six people as of Sunday (4/8), among others, one died in Pandeglang regency, three in Lebak regency, and two in Sukabumi regency. (RSF/OJI/ES)
Translated by: Muhardi
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
