Legislator Urges Residents of North Sulawesi and North Maluku to Remain Vigilant Against Aftershocks

Member of the DPR RI Commission VIII, Husni, has urged the public to remain vigilant following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked North Sulawesi and North Maluku. According to him, the potential for aftershocks still exists and must be anticipated with proper safety measures. “The earthquake that occurred in North Sulawesi as well as in North Maluku was quite strong, 7.6 on the Richter scale,” he said on Friday, 3 April 2026. He also hopes that residents’ preparedness in facing aftershocks involves seeking safe locations with minimal risk. “So usually, whenever there is a new earthquake, there are always aftershocks.” Meanwhile, residents, especially those living in coastal areas, should immediately secure themselves in higher places. This is to avoid the potential for tsunamis. “Residents on the beachfront are expected to seek higher ground. And if aftershocks occur, they are urged to head to assembly points such as open fields without buildings or electrical lines,” he added. This Gerindra Party faction politician stated that public composure is key in facing emergency situations. He asked residents not to panic but to remain alert. “For the public, stay calm, do not panic in facing this earthquake situation,” he said. This legislator from the North Sumatra I electoral district also encouraged the government, through relevant agencies, to carry out rapid handling on the ground. He requested that the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Health immediately deploy to assist the affected communities. “We request that BNPB, Basarnas, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Health as soon as possible go to the disaster areas to carry out evacuations, prepare tents for collapsed homes, and provide ready-to-eat food and medicines,” he said. Quick and coordinated steps, he said, are very important to reduce the impact of damage and minimise loss of life. With public vigilance and a rapid government response, it is hoped that disaster management can proceed optimally and residents’ safety remains protected.