Jakarta Information Commission expresses condolences over NTT earthquake

The Jakarta Information Commission has expressed its condolences over the victims of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and urged that information regarding the condition of victims and disaster handling be conveyed quickly, accurately, transparently, and in a manner easily accessible to the public.

“We express our deepest sorrow over the loss of life, and extend our most profound condolences to the families of the victims,” said Harry Ara Hutabarat, Chairman of the Jakarta Information Commission, in Jakarta on Saturday.

He prayed that all those who perished would be granted the best place beside God Almighty, and that the bereaved families would be given strength, fortitude, and comfort.

“We also pray that our brothers and sisters who have been injured will be granted a swift recovery,” he said, adding, “and that all affected communities will always be granted safety, protection, and strength in facing these difficult times.”

He said this disaster serves as a reminder to everyone of the importance of solidarity, compassion, information transparency, and mutual cooperation in facing any emergency or disaster.

The Jakarta Provincial Information Commission urged that immediate information concerning the public interest regarding the condition of victims and the needs of affected communities, as well as the evacuation process, humanitarian aid, and disaster management measures, be conveyed quickly, accurately, transparently, and in a manner easily accessible to the public.

“All of this is expected to take into account the protection of personal data. May all elements of the nation unite to help the people of NTT through this difficult time,” he said.

“NTT is not alone, and Indonesia stands with NTT. NTT’s sorrow is our shared sorrow,” he said.

Previously, the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency, Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, said that 31 aftershocks had occurred on Saturday following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

“The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has provided information that as of 3 p.m. today, 31 aftershocks have occurred,” Suharyanto said during an online press conference in Jakarta on Saturday.

Of the 31 aftershocks, four were recorded as having a fairly significant magnitude.