President Jokowi Condemns Terrorist Attack in New Zealand

President Jokowi accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Presidential Chief of Staff answers reporters’ questions after lunch at Bukit Tinggi Restaurant, Humbang Hasundutan, North Sumatera, Friday (15/3). (Photo: Agung/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo condemned the shooting at two mosques in New Zealand that killed 49 people and seriously injured dozens more.

“I strongly condemnthe horrifying terrorist attack that caused innocent people died,” the President said to reporters at Bukit Tinggi Restaurant, North Sumatera, Friday (15/3).

President Jokowi, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, also expressed deep condolences to the victims and their families. Regarding the possibility of Indonesian citizen (WNI) to be one of the victims, he said that he is still waiting report from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the meantime, the President asked all Indonesian citizens currently living in New Zealand to stay safe and alert.

Based on Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ press release, the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington continued to monitor the progress of the situation and had sent a team from the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington to go to Christchurch to coordinate with local security authorities, hospitals and the Indonesian Student Association.

Until now there has been no information about Indonesian citizens who become victims of the incident, the Ministry explained, adding that there are 331 Indonesian citizens live in Christchurch, including 134 students. The distance between the country’s capital to Christchurch is around 440 km.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in her statement explained that there were 6 (six) Indonesian Citizens who were inside the Al Noor Mosque when the attack happened. “Three of them managed to escape while the other three is still missing,” the Minister said in Jakarta, Friday (15/3).

For families and relatives who need further information and consular assistance regarding the shooting can contact the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington through hotline +64211950980 and +64 22 3812 065. (FID / AGG / ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana