Visiting Poso Earthquake Victims, Vice President Promises to Cover Medical Expenses

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited an earthquake victim being treated at Poso Regional Hospital, Central Sulawesi, on Friday (August 22, 2025). (ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati)

POSO - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will fully cover the medical expenses of several earthquake victims in Poso, Central Sulawesi, who are being treated at Poso Regional Hospital.

During his working visit, Gibran visited patients affected by the earthquake that struck Poso on Sunday (August 17th).

"Get some rest, ma'am. We'll cover all the expenses," Gibran said as he approached one of the earthquake victims, as reported by ANTARA on Friday, August 22nd.

With an IV drip on his left arm and a weak body, the patient thanked Vice President Gibran.

According to reports, eleven earthquake victims suffered serious injuries and are still being treated at Poso Regional Hospital. Vice President Gibran has committed to covering the costs of their treatment until they recover.

As observed, Gibran arrived at Poso Regional Hospital and was immediately greeted by enthusiastic local residents. Hundreds of residents and health workers scrambled to greet the eldest son of the 7th President Joko Widodo.

Gibran, wearing a green mask, walked down the hospital hallway and headed to the wards where the victims were lying down.

While visiting the earthquake victims at the hospital, Gibran also greeted residents and accepted selfie requests.

Before visiting the Poso Regional Hospital, Gibran visited the evacuation post for earthquake victims at the Tangkura Village Soccer Field, Poso Pesisir Selatan District, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi.

The Vice President's visit continued with an inspection of Tangkura 1 Public Elementary School, where classes are currently closed due to collapsed classrooms.

The roofs and ceilings of several classrooms at the elementary school were also seen to have holes in them due to the earthquake.

According to information gathered, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, reported that approximately 254 homes were damaged by the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the area.

The BPBD also reported that approximately 10 school buildings/educational facilities were damaged, one of which was severely damaged and the rest suffered minor damage.

According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), up to the fifth day after the major earthquake or Thursday (21/8) morning, 137 aftershocks were recorded in Poso with a magnitude of 3 or above, 126 tremors, 10 tremors below magnitude 3 and one tremor of magnitude 4.