Areas Affected by Lombok Quake Will Be Rehabilitated: Kalla

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has assured the public that the Indonesian government will rehabilitate the areas in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake on Sunday. 

“The government pledges to immediately rehabilitate the affected regions. Prior to that, there is an emergency response protocol for at least 2 to 3 weeks by the BNPB and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI),” said Jusuf Kalla at the Indonesian Ulema Council office today. 

Read: Several Buildings in Bali Collapse due to Lombok Earthquake 

Jusuf Kalla has received reports from NTB Governor Tuan Guru Bajang Zainal Majdi that 70 percent of the buildings in the province were damaged by the quake. 

He added that every government agency had responded accordingly to the disaster by actively conducting evacuations and establishing Indonesian Red Cross healthcare tents. 

The vice president also conveyed his deepest condolences for the earthquake victims. “We all offer our condolences and deepest sympathy for the victims of the NTB quake, especially in North Lombok. May their souls rest in peace,” he said. 

Read: Lombok Airport to Operate 24 Hours after Quake

A magnitude 7 quake shook the Lombok Island and Sumbawa on Sunday night of August 5 at 19:46 Central Indonesian Time (WITA). Initial reports suggest that the death toll has climbed to 82.

FRISKI RIANA