"We have deployed six Hercules aircraft from Jakarta, Makassar, and Balikpapan to transport the logistics needed for the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi, starting today," President Jokowi remarked at the Presidential Palace here on Tuesday.
However, the head of state acknowledged that the deployment of logistics was still affected by electricity problems owing to the damage to some electrical substations.
"The substations are damaged, and it is not easy to repair them. Hence, what we need are small and medium generators that can be used as quickly as possible," Jokowi noted.
He said that of the seven substations, five are damaged and two are functioning but not efficiently.
The president has also not determined the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi as a national disaster but has instructed the authorities to give priority to resolving the problems on the field immediately.
Jokowi also emphasized that the handling of the disaster must be fast and not question administrative matters.
"Yesterday, I told the relevant ministers that fuel affairs are very important, and matters related to electricity are also crucial to be resolved. Infrastructure, such as roads and airport, that facilitate the handling of logistics is expected to immediately be repaired and return to normal," he noted.
The president also informed the TNI commander and Police chief to secure gas stations and economic centers, so that shops can reopen, and the economy can return to normalcy.
"(This is crucial), so that we can enter the next stage of rehabilitation and reconstruction. We also urge citizens to remain calm in Palu and to carry out economic activities in Palu, so that normalcy can return. This is what are our hopes are for all citizens," the president noted.
The handling of disaster recovery will be led directly by Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
Reporting by Desca Lidya Natalia
Editing by Otniel Tamindael
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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