The Indonesian National Armed Forces Moves Quickly to Recover Poso After the 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake: We Stand by the People!

Soldiers from Kodim 1307/Poso helped with the post-earthquake handling in Poso, Tuesday (19/8/2025). ANTARA/HO-Penrem 132/Tadulako

POSO - Soldiers from the 132nd/Tadulako Military Command (Korem 132/Tadulako) were deployed to help expedite recovery following the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, early Sunday, August 17.

The Commander of Korem 132/Tadulako, Brigadier General Deni Gunawan, visited Masani Village, Poso Pesisir District, one of the worst-hit areas, to ensure effective emergency response.

"This visit is to ensure that recovery efforts are proceeding according to coordination on the ground," Deni said, as quoted by Antara on Tuesday, August 19.

During the visit, Deni, along with members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), the 1307/Poso Military District Command (Kodim), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) held a brief meeting.

They discussed accelerating the establishment of emergency posts, field kitchens, and the distribution of initial aid in the form of food, medicine, and tents to affected residents.

"The TNI is not only present to maintain security, but is also obligated to stand by the people in difficult situations," he emphasized.

After inspecting the command post, Deni distributed logistical aid and basic necessities in Tangkura Village, South Poso Pesisir District. "We hope this assistance will ease the burden on the community during the recovery period," he said.

The Commander of the 1307/Poso Military District, Lieutenant Colonel Edi Yulian Budiargo, ensured that Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel were on full alert. "Our priority is the safety of the community. All forces are being deployed to assist affected residents," he said.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported 10 aftershocks following the main earthquake, which was updated to a magnitude of 5.8. The epicenter was at sea, 13 kilometers northwest of Poso City, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The Central Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) recorded nine villages affected by the earthquake. Seven villages are in the Poso Pesisir District (Masani, Tokorondo, Towu, Pinedapa, Lape, Tangkura, and Patiwunga), while two are in the North Poso Pesisir District (Kilo and Maranda).

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and volunteers continue to evacuate residents, provide first aid, and urge the public to remain vigilant and stay away from cracked or collapsed buildings.

“Don't panic, keep following the officers' directions. If you need help, "Report immediately to the post," said Edi.