President Prabowo Leads Prayers for Victims of Natural Disasters
President Prabowo Subianto leads prayers during the ceremony of the 81st independence anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace grounds in Jakarta, Monday (08/17).
During the ceremony of the 81st independence anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia at the Merdeka Palace grounds in Jakarta on Monday (08/17), President Prabowo Subianto asked all participants to observe a moment of silence to honor the nation’s heroes and to offer prayers for those currently affected by natural disasters in various regions across the country.
“My fellow Indonesians, let us observe a moment of silence to commemorate the souls and services of the nation’s independence heroes who sacrificed their lives and bodies for the independence and honor of our nation. Let us also pray for our fellow citizens who are affected by natural disasters in Sumatra [island], East Nusa Tenggara [province], and other regions of Indonesia. A moment of silence begins,” he said.
Several ministers who attended the ceremony also expressed similar concerns, including Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency Rachmat Pambudy.
“First of all, we must express our profound gratitude that in 81 years of Indonesia’s anniversary, we have become increasingly united, peaceful, and insha Allah, prosperous. However, today, we must also feel deep concern and deep sorrow because some of our citizens are facing difficult situations,” he said.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms Rini Widyantini also expressed her condolences to the people of East Nusa Tenggara, who remain in difficult circumstances following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Saturday (08/15) and multiple aftershocks.
“Today, we are celebrating our 81st independence anniversary in a difficult situation. Some of us are in evacuation centers due to yesterday’s earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. I certainly wish to express my condolences and hope that our brothers and sisters receive aid shortly and have the strength to endure,” she said.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that several members of the Red-and-White Cabinet missed the ceremony in Jakarta due to the urgency of their duties in the regions, including to ensure proper disaster management in East Nusa Tenggara.
“Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Public Works, Vice Minister of Health, and Vice Minister of Social Affairs are now in East Nusa Tenggara to monitor and ensure proper management of the disaster that occurred yesterday,” he said.
According to Prasetyo, the independence celebration must not overlook the plight of those currently facing a disaster; thus, the Government remains committed to ensuring that the needs of affected residents and their care are prioritized.
“While we are celebrating the anniversary of our independence, we must also ensure that our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster are treated with care,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)
