Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Ensures Earthquake Response in Bitung Will Reach Reconstruction Stage
JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno has assured that the handling of the magnitude (M) 7.6 Bitung earthquake will extend to the reconstruction stage for damaged buildings.
“When entering the emergency response phase, it will be followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction stages. There is already an SOP from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) that needs to be utilised as an opportunity for education,” said Pratikno in a press release on Thursday (2/4/2026).
He emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and reconstruction stages based on post-earthquake disaster mitigation following the magnitude 7.6 quake that struck the sea area southeast of Bitung City, North Sulawesi, at 05.48 WIB this morning.
He cited Indonesia’s experience during the Aceh tsunami, when initially the public did not understand the tsunami danger. Over time, disaster education has been continuously improved, making the public more aware of evacuation and self-rescue.
Pratikno reminded local governments to ensure that every development programme prioritises human safety and does not increase the potential for new disasters.
“Do not let development cause flooding or add risks to the community, for example due to building structures that do not meet standards,” he said.
According to him, communities that have just experienced a disaster are generally more receptive to understanding the importance of risk mitigation.
Currently, the government’s main focus remains on the emergency response phase, namely conducting evacuations, search and rescue for victims, and ensuring services for displaced persons are met quickly.
“Every second and minute is precious for public safety. Now we are entering the emergency response period, where search and rescue is the top priority,” he explained.
After that, the rehabilitation and reconstruction process will be carried out in a planned and sustainable manner.
Pratikno added that disaster management needs to be mainstreamed into daily life through strengthening institutions, providing equipment, training, and ongoing public education to minimise the impact of future disasters.