Ministry Of Foreign Affairs: No Indonesian Citizens Become Victims Of A 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake In Vanuatu

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensured that no Indonesian citizens (WNI) were victims of a large 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu.

"Until now, there has been no information about Indonesian citizens who were victims of the earthquake in Vanuatu," said the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens and BHI of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Judha Nugraha, when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday, December 18.

Judha said that the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Canberra, which also has an accreditation for Vanuatu, has coordinated with local authorities and communicated with Indonesian people in the region.

According to data from the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, there are 48 Indonesian citizens living in Vanuatu. Most of them work as crew members.

"The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra will continue to monitor the situation and impact of the earthquake in Vanuatu," added Judha.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 rocked Vanuatu on Tuesday, December 17 at 12.51 noon local time. According to reports by local authorities, the worst damage occurred in the capital Port Villa. As of Wednesday (12/18/2024), it was reported that there were 14 people and more than 200 people were injured.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that it will continue to carry out intensive monitoring to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens in Vanuatu and provide assistance if needed.