Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the governor and deputy governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) for the 2018-2023 period to work directly in handling the impact of the earthquake in the area.

"I requested to work directly, especially in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged public houses and facilities in the area," President Jokowi noted after the inauguration of the governor and deputy governor of NTB at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The head of state noted that home improvement programs and public facilities had to be implemented immediately and completed by the local government.

"Home improvement programs must be applied and public facilities must be made available, such as the houses of residents, schools, and hospitals. The main task is there," the president stated.

Regarding the obstacle faced in disbursing funds for handling the impact of the earthquake, the head of state said that it must be implemented in stages.

"When it is ready, it will definitely be given. There is a process; cook it directly, here," he stated with a smile.

Zulkieflimansyah and Sitti Rohmi Djalilah officially served as NTB governor for the 2018-2023 period, replacing the previous official, TGH Zainul Majdi or Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) and Muhammad Amin, after being sworn in by President Jokowi this Wednesday.

Ministry of Home Affairs Director General of Dawrah Autonomy Sumarsono noted that the inauguration of Zulkieflimansyah and his deputy, Sitti Rohmi Djalilah was the continuation of the inauguration of the nine pairs of 2018 regional election governors on September 5, 2018.

Initially, the first wave of inauguration of the governor and vice governor was scheduled for September 17, 2018, so that NTB could enter the first wave.

Considering the schedule was advanced, NTB could not participate, as the governor`s term of office had not yet expired.

"Earlier, the plan was, if it was not submitted on Sept 5, the first wave of inauguration was scheduled on Sept 17, so NTB could join on the ground, as the end of the term of office (AMJ) was scheduled on Sept 17. Considering that it was submitted on Sept 5 of the first wave, yes, NTB could not be included, as it was not AMJ. This is a follow-up," he added.

Reporting by Agus Salim
Editing by Eliswan

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Editor: Sri Haryati
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