"It Turns Out That There Are Around 500 Indonesian Citizens Affected By The Turkish Earthquake," Said Foreign Minister Retno

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Lukas)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the number of Indonesian citizens affected by the earthquake in Turkey was 500 people.

"As many as 123 people have been evacuated in the first phase, including two Malaysian citizens and one Myanmar citizen," said Retno when delivering an online press statement via the YouTube account of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Monday, February 13, as reported by Antara.

"Meanwhile, eight people consisting of five Indonesian citizens and three Filipinos are in the process of evacuating the second phase," said Retno.

As a result of the earthquake in Turkey, two Indonesian citizens died, namely a mother and child. Both have been buried in Kahramanmaras according to the family's request.

Kemudian, 10 orang yang mengalami luka berat telah dirawat di rumah sakit.

Since the earthquake occurred, said Retno, the Indonesian ambassador to Ankara has immediately moved and communicated with Turkish authorities.

"Indonesia is the first foreign representative to evacuate its own citizens in Turkey," said Retno.

The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara also distributed 189 packages of logistical assistance to Indonesian citizens. Meanwhile in Syria, no Indonesian citizens were affected by the earthquake, but the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus team continued to monitor developments in the field.

"The Indonesian Ambassador Damascus also continues to coordinate with the Syrian authorities for the same purpose, namely to get information about the necessary assistance and also regarding the safety of our Indonesian citizens," said Retno.

He ensured that ministerial-level communications continued, particularly between the foreign minister and the Indonesian defense minister and Turkey and Syria, to discuss post-earthquake handling.

"And we continue to report any developments to the President (Joko Widodo)," said Retno.