TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday ordered the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy to provide essential aid for the victims of the earthquake that has devastated Turkey and Syria. The Minister says talks between the two countries are ongoing to determine what assistance is needed.

“We will hold a meeting,” said Muhadjir after being summoned by the President to the State Palace on February 8.

Previously on Monday, Turkey and Syria were rocked by a severe 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed thousands of people. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the death toll could grow 8-fold from what is currently logged at over 8,000.

Assistance, said Minister Muhadjir, will be dispatched by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Defense Ministry, and the Social Ministry. Indonesia is planning to send staple needs for victims and medical workers. “Preparations are done and will soon be sent. As soon as possible. This morning we were seeking air transports,” he added.

The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, has provided one container filled with food to the Turkish Red Crescent at Gaziantep. Further assistance is entering the final stages of planning before they are dispatched to Turkey.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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