Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture Releases Humanitarian Aid For Vanuatu

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendi released humanitarian assistance to ease the burden on people affected by the hurricane and earthquake in Vanuatu.

"The release of this assistance is in order to follow up on the direction of President Joko Widodo to carry out the delivery of humanitarian aid and as a form of humanitarian diplomacy with Vanuatu," he said when releasing aid and a humanitarian team for Vanuatu at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 8.

He explained that the humanitarian assistance provided, among others, was in the form of logistics for basic needs worth Rp7.2 billion consisting of refugee tents, family tents, generators, velbeds, hygiene kits, children's sweaters, children's jackets, adult jackets, handymen's tools, rendang, food packages, diesel lights, and chainsaws.

The Indonesian government will also provide assistance in repairing the VIP room of Port Villa Airport, Vanuatu.

"Along with this assistance, a delegation team from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia will also depart with personnel from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Commission VIII DPR RI, BNPB, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Intelligence Agency, Ministry of PUPR, and others," he said.

He also gave his highest appreciation and thanks to the ministries/agencies to BUMN involved in the delivery of the humanitarian aid.

Disasters caused by earthquakes and storms hit Vanuatu in March 2023.

"Disasters cause damage to infrastructure networks, polluted water sources, major damage to farmers' crops, telephone and internet connections are disrupted, besides that there are residents affected by the displaced disaster," he said.

Based on the spirit of humanity, mutual cooperation, and friendly relations with Vanuatu, he said, Indonesia sent assistance to support the country which was in a difficult time.

According to information compiled by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 rocked Vanuatu on Friday (3/3). Previously, Typhoonos also hit the area.