Successfully Evacuated, The Government Has Not Yet Returned 123 Indonesian Citizens To Turkey

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Tuesday (14/2/2023) (ANTARA)

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy said the government had not yet decided to repatriate 123 Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were successfully evacuated in Turkey to Indonesia.

"Because they are now in the shelter of the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, which is quite far from the epicenter, I don't think there is a decision whether they should return to Indonesia or stay in Turkey," said Muhadjir after facing President Joko Widodo to report the implementation of the provision of Indonesian aid to Turkey and Syria, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 14.

Based on Muhadjir's information, the number of Indonesian citizens who died as a result of the earthquake in Turkey was two people, while another 123 were successfully evacuated to a shelter at the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara.

He said he had also not received any information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether Indonesian citizens who died as a result of the Turkish earthquake would be buried in Indonesia or in Turkey.

As for compensation for Indonesian citizens who were victims of death, Muhadjir stated that he would immediately consult the Ministry of Social Affairs as the person in charge.

Based on reports submitted by Muhadjir, the death toll in Turkey has so far reached 31,643 people, while in Syria it has reached 4,574 people.

The Indonesian government has sent aid to Turkey and Syria, including SAR personnel, medical teams, medicines, logistics and basic necessities, which are in accordance with the demands or needs of the governments of the two countries.

The third batch of aid will be delivered soon, including the delivery of a team of infectious disease specialists.