The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara Distributes Logistics Assistance to Indonesian Citizens After the Earthquake Shakes Turkey Again

The Indonesian Embassy team Ankara met Indonesian citizens in Turkey. (Source: Indonesian Embassy Ankara)

JAKARTA - The team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara again distributed logistical assistance to Indonesian citizens (WNI) affected by the earthquake in Osmaniye, Nurdagi, Belen, Harsus, Antakya, Herbia, and Iskanderun.

Logistical assistance was given again following the 6.4 magnitude aftershock that occurred on February 20, citing a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Monday, February 27.

"After the last major earthquake, there were requests from Indonesian citizens in the affected areas. In general, they chose to stay in these cities, because they have families of Turkish nationality that they must accompany. But we make sure they are safe. They only need logistical support," said Fajar Nuradi, a senior diplomat from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who is in Hatay to coordinate efforts to protect Indonesian citizens and the Government of Indonesia's humanitarian assistance.

He further explained that several types of logistical support requested by Indonesian citizens in the affected areas after the last big earthquake included generators, blankets, tents, medicine, jackets, heaters, and food ingredients. Some said, the affected Indonesian citizens chose to be in remote areas, in order to avoid collapsing buildings in urban areas.

It is known, since the first day of the earthquake, the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara has continued to monitor the condition of Indonesian citizens in the affected areas. Out of around 500 Indonesian citizens, 128 people have been evacuated, and 10 people were injured and are still being given treatment.

Meanwhile, four Indonesian citizens died and the rest chose to stay on the outskirts of the city in the surrounding area but needed logistical support from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara.

In addition, around 85 affected Indonesian citizens have also been repatriated to the country using Garuda Indonesia aircraft carrying humanitarian aid on February 22, 2023.