On Independence Day, Megawati urges prayers for NTT earthquake victims

Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has called on the public to pray for the victims of the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara.

Megawati made the appeal during a moment of silence held as part of the 81st Independence Day ceremony in the courtyard of the At-Taufiq Mosque at the Party School in South Jakarta on Monday.

“Let us offer a collective prayer, especially for the region of East Nusa Tenggara, particularly Flores. We pray that those who have suffered this disaster may find the strength to carry on,” said Megawati.

Megawati also prayed for the families left behind, asking that they be given the strength to face the tragedy.

“And for the families left behind by those affected by the earthquake, we pray that they may find a fitting place at the side of God,” she said.

Megawati expressed her deepest condolences to the people of Flores.

“To all the people of Indonesia whom I love and am proud of, we have just prayed specifically for the people of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, and I express my deepest condolences for the victims of this extraordinary earthquake,” said Megawati.