President Jokowi Calls for Prompt, Appropriate Measures to Tackle Natural Disasters in NTT, NTB

President Joko Widodo. (Photo source: YouTube Channel of Presidential Secretariat’s Press, Media, and Information Bureau)

Following flash floods and landslides that hit the Indonesian eastern provinces of  East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday ordered his administration to tackle the disasters promptly and appropriately.

“I have ordered Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Board, Chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency, Minister of Social Affairs, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, and Chief of the Indonesian National Police to quickly carry out evacuation and handle those affected by the disasters,” the President said in his press statement at Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday (5/4).

President Jokowi also ordered that the handling be carried out quickly and well, including in terms of providing healthcare assistance, logistics needs, basic needs, as well as infrastructure repair.

On that occasion, the Head of State also expressed his condolences and sympathies for the residents affected by flash floods and landslides that hit the two provinces.

On behalf of the Indonesian people and on my own behalf, I’d like offer my deep condolences for residents affected residents in NTT and NTB. I also understand the sadness that our fellow countrymen and countrywomen are suffering due to the impacts of these disasters,” he said.

The President also urged the public to follow the instructions given by officers on the ground, including emergency announcement from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) and to continue to raise awareness against potential disasters such floods and landslides that may occur following the spike in extreme rainfall. (FID/UN) (AP/EP)