President Jokowi Calls on People to Remain Calm after Tsunami

President Jokowi answers questions from the journalists during his visit to Luwuk Subdistrict, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Sunday (23/12). Photo by: Presidential Secretariat.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo calls on the People, especially those who live in Banten and Lampung Provinces, to remain calm after the tsunami hit the surrounding areas of Sunda Strait several days ago. The Government, he said, is currently making the best efforts to deal with disaster-affected areas.

“I urge people to remain calm but also be vigilant and not provoked by false rumors,” the President said in Luwuk Subdistrict, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Sunday (23/12).

The President has instructed state apparatus, including Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Minister of Social Affairs, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Head of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) to visit the affected-areas and directly monitor search and rescue operation.

“I have also ordered emergency measures to search and rescue victims as soon as possible,” the President continued.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Indonesia I offer deepest condolences for the victims,” the President said, adding that he continuously monitors the latest update on search and rescue operation.

In the meantime, Head of Information Data Center and Public Relations of the BNPB Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that as of Sunday (23/12) at 16:00 Western Indonesian Time, the tsunami has caused 222 people died, 843 people injured, and 28 people reported missing. The tsunami also destroyed 556 houses, nine hotels, and 350 ships and boats, Sutopo said.

The BNPB, the TNI, the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and other ministries and government agencies continue to support the local governments in conducting emergency response,” Sutopo stated. (BPMI Setpres/ES).

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Yuyu Mulyani