Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited a refugee camp in Agam District, West Sumatra, on Thursday to console residents and assess their needs after floods and landslides struck three provinces in Sumatra.
Upon his arrival, Gibran approached a group of survivors and delivered consolation messages, highlighting the central government's commitment to addressing the impacts of the disasters.
"On behalf of President Prabowo Subianto, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all victims, and I am sorry for what happened. However, ladies and gentlemen, you are not alone; the people of West Sumatra are not alone," he told the refugees.
The vice president also conveyed Prabowo's warm greetings to survivors and assured them that the head of state has instructed government aides to strive to speed up emergency measures so that recovery can immediately begin.
During the dialogue, Gibran held a pocketbook and wrote down all suggestions, input, and complaints from disaster-hit citizens.
"We will do our best to accelerate the restoration of communication services, medical facilities, and schools, as well as key infrastructure like bridges and roads, in order to ensure the smooth delivery of aid and fuel," he stated.
Concluding the dialogue, Gibran assured the refugees that he will continue to monitor the ongoing disaster response and conditions in the field.
"Our plan today is to visit the three affected provinces to push for accelerated recovery. Rest assured, you are not alone, as we will continue to conduct on-field reviews," he stated.
Meanwhile, Agam District Head Benni Warlis told the vice president that Agam bears the heaviest impact of the disasters, with its death toll being the highest in West Sumatra.
"The disasters affected our roads, bridges, rice fields, homes, and rice mills," he said, noting that the district has recorded 169 fatalities, 84 missing residents, 15 thousand refugees, and 20 thousand people who remain isolated in several sub-districts.
