Gibran calls for basic needs of quake-affected residents to be prioritised

Sikka Regency, NTT (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called for the basic needs of residents to be prioritised as part of a rapid, integrated and comprehensive post-disaster response.

“In emergency response, the safety of residents and the fulfilment of urgent needs must be the top priority. Not a single resident should be left untouched by aid, including those in hard-to-reach areas such as mountain settlements,” said Gibran.

He made the remarks to central government representatives and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) while inspecting a number of earthquake-damaged infrastructure sites in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday.

To ensure the response is effective on the ground, the Vice President urged all relevant officials not merely to wait for reports, but to go down directly and ensure every directive is implemented and any obstacles are promptly addressed.

“I ask all regional heads and Forkopimda to go directly to the field, ensuring every instruction is truly carried out without bureaucratic barriers. Every obstacle must be immediately identified and resolved, with clear responsible parties and target dates. All problems and obstacles found on the ground will be reported by me to the President,” he said.

Amid the response efforts, Gibran also expressed appreciation to all officials who have been on the ground helping residents since the outset of the disaster.

According to him, the response and joint efforts of all elements in the field are an important part of ensuring affected residents receive the assistance and support they need.

“I express my appreciation and gratitude to all officials who, since the first day of the incident, have gone down to the field to help residents,” he said.