"Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) spoke on the phone with President Erdogan. During the conversation, President Erdogan expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all Indonesian people and also the Indonesian government," the minister noted at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Friday.
She remarked that the assistance from Indonesia was the first aid to be given by a country in the ASEAN region for handling the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
The team from Indonesia also helped several citizens from ASEAN countries that were affected by the earthquake in Turkey. In addition, the Indonesian government has operated a field hospital to help earthquake victims, she stated.
"From time to time, I receive updates from our ambassador," she added.
The Indonesian government also began readying helicopters for logistics delivery for the earthquake victims. Marsudi remarked that President Jokowi had also coordinated with a team from Indonesia that assisted in handling the earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.
"So, thank God, everything is according to plan. We will send one more flight to Turkey and Syria," she noted.
In addition, she stated that two Indonesian citizens (WNI) -- a mother and a child -- died as a result of the earthquake in Turkey. Meanwhile, Marsudi could not as yet confirm the exact number of Indonesian citizens being treated.
The minister made assurance that the Indonesian Embassies in Ankara, Turkey, and Damascus, Syria, would be proactive in helping Indonesian citizens affected by the earthquake.
"There are those who are being treated. I have to check again regarding their current conditions. However, I want to emphasize that our team is already on the field. We will try to do our best in providing assistance, including the Indonesian Embassy that continues to provide logistical assistance needed by our Indonesian citizens," she remarked.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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