Kupang City Government strengthens earthquake response in six districts
The Kupang City Government in East Nusa Tenggara is strengthening its response to the earthquake by distributing aid worth Rp635 million and food packages to six affected districts on Flores Island.
“This assistance is a symbol of our solidarity. We want to convey the message that our brothers and sisters in Flores are not alone. One island is wounded, others are ready to help. Humanity knows no territorial boundaries,” said Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo in a statement received in Kupang on Wednesday.
He began the distribution of aid by visiting West Manggarai Regency on Tuesday (25/8), the first of six districts targeted for assistance from the Kupang City Government.
The total aid of Rp635 million consists of Rp500 million from the Kupang City Government’s Unexpected Expenditure budget and Rp135 million raised from donations by civil servants within the Kupang City Government, as well as fundraising carried out by the mayor during an exhibition match at the NTT Development Exhibition arena several days earlier.
In addition to cash assistance, the Kupang City Government handed over food packages to help meet the basic needs of communities affected by the earthquake.
Christian said the assistance was provided as a form of concern from the people of Kupang City for residents in the affected areas, even though Kupang City did not directly feel the earthquake tremors like those that occurred in Flores.
“I want to deliver it myself. I want to convey to other regions that our brothers and sisters in Flores are not alone. We may not have been shaken by the earthquake, but we share in their suffering,” he said.
In West Manggarai Regency, Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng expressed appreciation for the assistance from the Kupang City Government.
According to him, the assistance represents a form of support for communities affected by the disaster.
“For us, it is not about how much assistance is given. The presence of the Mayor is more than enough as a sign of sympathy for us. Coming directly to bring assistance is extraordinary,” said Yulianus.
After leaving West Manggarai, the assistance was also handed over to the Manggarai Regency Government at the Manggarai Regency BPBD Command Post on Tuesday evening.
Manggarai Regent Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit said the support from the Kupang City Government serves as a source of strength for communities affected by the earthquake, as well as for Manggarai residents in Kupang City who are worried about the condition of their families back home.
“The amount is not the issue. This presence is the most important thing. On behalf of the people of Manggarai, we express our gratitude,” said Herybertus.
He also asked the Mayor of Kupang to convey to the Manggarai community in Kupang City that the regional government continues to handle the impact of the earthquake in the area.
“Please look after the Manggarai community in Kupang City, who may have been worried about the situation of their families in Manggarai. Seeing the presence of the Mayor, they can become calmer,” he said.