In a statement received from the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau on Thursday, the Indonesian delegation handed over humanitarian aid directly to residents affected by the M 7.7 earthquake that shook Turkey on February 6.
"I just handed over the fourth batch of humanitarian aid from the Indonesian government, people, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO). The delivery marks the last special humanitarian plane but not the last humanitarian aid. This means, God willing, there will be more aid in the future," Effendy remarked.
The minister noted that the provision of this assistance is a form of concern between the Indonesian and Turkish governments and a symbol of close relationship between the Indonesian and Turkish people.
According to the minister, the Turkish government and their people are also present when Indonesia experienced disasters, such as during the Aceh tsunami in 2004 and the Palu earthquake in 2018.
"During the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the Turkish government and their people were present earlier than other countries. In fact, there is a Turkey Village in Aceh now. It is a village built by the Turkish people after the tsunami," he explained.
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The Indonesian humanitarian mission in Turkey involved the provision of over 250 personnel, five humanitarian cargo planes, some 110 tons of cargo, 50 containers of instant food supply, one field hospital, and two public kitchens serving 24 hours, he remarked.
"This humanitarian mission for Turkey is the biggest mission carried out by our government to help friendly countries which we have been doing so far," Effendy stated.
He remarked that Indonesia had sent several teams on the humanitarian mission, comprising a Medium Urban search and rescue (SAR) team, an emergency medical team (EMT), a field hospital, and an air logistics transport team along with a Hercules C-130 aircraft that helped the Turkish government to transport logistics and victims in earthquake-affected areas.
As two countries that are quite frequently affected by natural disasters, he also expressed optimism that Indonesia and Turkey would continue to learn from each other in disaster mitigation.
Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, and Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal also accompanied the minister during the visit.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian delegation was welcomed by Governor of Yalova, Muammer Erol, who symbolically received the assistance.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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