"On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims who died and the deepest sympathy to all the victims of the disaster," Japanese Consul General in Surabaya Masaki Tani remarked in a press release here on Thursday.
According to Tani, the Japanese Disaster Management Team to Central Sulawesi comprised the Japan Self Defense Forces Unit. They are expected to conduct relief activities, including transportation of goods in the province.
In addition, Masaki said his party had provided emergency relief goods in the form of tents, water purifiers, and generators worth around Rp3 billion through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
"This is our response to the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi as well as in the framework of humanity and friendly relations between the two countries," he stated.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier conveyed sympathy and condolences to President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo over the disasters that occurred in Palu and Donggala.
"I feel very sad to hear the news of the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit Central Sulawesi and caused great loss of life and damage," he noted.
To this end, Abe said that on behalf of the government and people of Japan, he conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims who died and the deepest sympathy to all victims of the disaster.
During this time, he said, Japan had also suffered devastating damage due to the earthquake and tsunami similar to Indonesia.
Hence, Abe affirmed that his side is ready to provide assistance in any form, such as emergency relief items.
"Japan will always be on the Indonesian side in overcoming major difficulties such as this," he added.
Reporting by Abdul Hakim
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
