Puan: Government Must Swiftly Ensure Citizens' Safety After Sulawesi Earthquake

Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on ministries and agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safety of residents following a magnitude 7.6 earthquake in North Sulawesi and surrounding areas.

Puan, as stated in a message received in Jakarta on Thursday, urged the government to remain vigilant in anticipating aftershocks.

“All agencies must act promptly to ensure the safety of residents. SAR teams must continue to comb through affected areas, especially since tsunamis occurred at several points due to the earthquake,” she said.

The earthquake struck in the waters off Bitung, North Sulawesi, and was felt as far as North Maluku on Thursday at 05:48 Central Indonesia Time (WITA). One person was reported dead after being crushed by building debris from the quake.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences for the earthquake disaster in North Sulawesi and surrounding areas that has resulted in loss of life,” said Puan.

She hoped that local governments in the affected areas would move quickly to prepare evacuation or shelter points and distribute aid to residents, especially vulnerable groups.

She also advised the public not to panic and not to be easily swayed by hoax news.

“Increase vigilance and do not be influenced by inaccurate news. Ensure you monitor information from trusted sources, especially the government,” said Puan.

She added that if assistance is needed, residents should immediately seek help from the authorities. “And for now, the public should avoid approaching coastal points,” stated the House Speaker.

Previously, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that the earthquake shocks were strongly felt for 10 to 20 seconds in Bitung City and surrounding areas, and also in Ternate City, North Maluku.

The tectonic earthquake also triggered small tsunami waves in several coastal areas. Tsunami waves about 0.3 metres high were detected in West Halmahera at 06:08 WIB and 0.2 metres in Bitung at 06:15 WIB.

“Although relatively small, this situation still requires vigilance because the potential for follow-up waves remains possible,” said Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre Abdul Muhari in Jakarta on Thursday.