6.1 M East Java Earthquake, Jokowi Orders Emergency Response

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered the relevant agencies to immediately implement response measures related to the earthquake in East Java. Especially the post-disaster measures.

"I have ordered the Head of Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), to the Head of National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), to the Minister of Social Affairs, to the Minister of Health and also the Minister of Public Works and Housing, as well as the Commander of the National Army and the Chief of Police along with all other relevant officials as well as the Provincial Government, City and District Government to immediately take emergency response measures," Jokowi said on Youtube Secretary of the President, Sunday, April 11.

In addition to post-disaster management, Jokowi also asked all parties to find the victims who died and provide care for the injured.

On the other hand, Jokowi also reminded all state officials and the public to cooperate with each other. Because natural disasters can happen at any time. Moreover, Indonesia is located at a point prone to natural disasters.

"I on behalf of the government and all the people express my deep condolences for the victims who died and I need to remind us that we are in the ring of the fire area, therefore natural activity can happen at any time whether it is an earthquake and others, at any time," he said.

The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded eight deaths, as a result of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in the Malang Regency. Five of them are residents of the Lumajang Regency, and three residents of the Malang Regency.

In addition to the death toll, the Malang earthquake resulted in dozens of people suffering minor, moderate, and severe injuries, scattered in various areas in East Java. Among them, 11 people in Lumajang, two people in Malang, eight people in Blitar, two people in Blitar, and one person each in Tulungagung, and Jember.