Sulut-Malut Earthquake: Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Urges Acceleration of Victim Data Collection

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Pratikno has urged the acceleration of victim data collection following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that shook the waters southeast of Bitung City, North Sulawesi, on Thursday (2/4/2026) at 05.48 WIB.

“Data collection is an important foundation in rescue efforts. We have experience handling various major disasters, so the speed of data collection greatly determines the effectiveness of on-the-ground responses,” Pratikno stated during an online press conference on Thursday (2/4/2026).

According to him, data collection serves as the primary basis for the government in determining rescue steps, evacuation, and the distribution of aid to affected communities.

BNPB, along with local governments, TNI, and Polri, is currently conducting integrated search, rescue, evacuation, and victim data collection processes.

An emergency response status has been established to ensure all resources can be mobilised optimally.

Pratikno emphasised that ready-to-use funds for emergency response financing are available, following BNPB’s standard operational procedures.

“Speed is very important so that data collection can be carried out quickly and accurately,” Pratikno said.

He added that human safety remains the utmost priority in every stage of disaster handling.