Poso, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized that the government would cover all medical expenses for residents injured in the recent earthquake who are currently receiving treatment at the Poso Regional Public Hospital in Central Sulawesi.

He gave the assurance during his visit to patients being treated following the earthquake that struck Poso District on Sunday morning (August 17).

"You just need to take a rest, madam, and let us bear all the medical costs," he told one of the victims, who expressed gratitude for his words of relief.

The vice president reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring all patients can recover fully without having to worry about expenses.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Gibran was warmly welcomed by patients, medical staff, and residents eager to greet him and take pictures, a request he gladly accepted.

Wearing a plain white shirt and a green mask, the former mayor of Solo walked through the hospital corridors to check on patients resting in the inpatient rooms.

Before visiting the health facility, he inspected a disaster emergency shelter set up on a football field in Tangkura Village, Poso Pesisir Selatan Sub-district.

He also visited Tangkura 1 Public Elementary School, where classes have been suspended due to severe damage caused by the quake.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Poso at 5:36 a.m. local time on Sunday at a depth of 10 kilometers, followed by 137 aftershocks as of Thursday morning.

According to the Central Sulawesi Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the quake affected at least 433 people, including 31 older adults, 23 children, and five people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Poso BPBD data shows that the disaster caused minor damage to 172 houses and severe damage to 82 others. In addition, 10 schools were affected, with one sustaining heavy damage.



Related news: BNPB says basic needs met for Poso earthquake victims

Related news: Govt provides psychosocial support to children after Poso quake









































Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025