TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - World Bank promised to assist Palu in its rehabilitation process with a USD 5 million disaster aid after the region was hit by a devastating earthquake.
"We are committed on giving our support in the form of assistance and rehabilitation," said World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva in Palu City after personally monitoring the area.
Kristalina's visit to Palu was also accompanied by Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Willem Rampangilei. Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Djonggola was present to welcome the group.
Furthermore, the World Bank also suggested the government to construct a site that would memorialize the disaster.
One of the worst affected areas was Balaroa Village in Palu where hundreds of houses were left in shatters and displacing thousands of people.
Jusuf Kalla said that the natural disaster hit the hearts of the international community, which was affirmed by Kristalina who said that the sights in Balaroa really hit deep in her heart. She further hopes that communities would lend humanitarian aid for the survivors of the Palu earthquake, and Central Sulawesi in general.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA