Bengkulu Donates Rp100 Million for Turkey, Syria Earthquake Victims

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The people and provincial government of Bengkulu have joined the nation in expressing solidarity for the victims of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, with a donation of Rp100 million (US$6,574).

The funds were donated by local residents who transferred them to the provincial government's catastrophe saving account, Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah informed on Monday.

"On behalf of the province's residents, the Bengkulu administration also donated funds (for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria)," he said.

The donated funds were partly collected by local Muslim community members who participated in the Congregational Dawn Prayer Movement, Mersyah added.

Those wishing to donate money for Turkey and Syria quake victims can make a contribution to the provincial government's catastrophe saving account, he said.

According to media reports, the devastating earthquake has so far killed more than 33 thousand people across Turkey and Syria.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has appealed to Indonesians who are keen to donate goods for the quake survivors to pay attention to the agency's list of requested goods.

"We have received a list of needed goods. Among them are mattresses, warm blankets, winter clothes and shoes, meal packages, and hygiene kits," the agency's acting spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, said in a recent statement.

There are several other goods that the survivors currently need the most, such as diapers for elderly people and children as well as soaps, medicines, medical equipment, generator sets, first aid kits, solar lamps, and rubble removal kits, he informed.

All goods remain prioritized for collection and delivery as part of Indonesia's humanitarian aid for Turkey and Syria.

"For members of our communities looking to join a solidarity movement for our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria currently severely suffering from the impacts of the recent catastrophe, please see the requested list of goods," he emphasized.

The BNPB is continuing to coordinate with the Indonesian embassies in Turkey and Syria to enable Indonesia's search and rescue as well as medical team members to work effectively in the disaster zones, Muhari said.

The requested goods that Indonesian citizens donate will be distributed to those in need through organizations that have also taken the initiative to collect humanitarian aid for quake survivors in the two countries, he added.

The BNPB will collectively coordinate to simultaneously transport donated goods to those in need in Turkey and Syria through a one-door policy under the humanitarian aid program, he said.

ANTARA

Editor's Note: Humanitarian Aid from Indonesia Lands in Turkey on Sunday

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