Indonesian humanitarian aid arrives in quake-hit Türkiye

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – An Indonesian aircraft loaded with humanitarian aid arrived in the quake-hit southern Adana province of Türkiye on Wednesday, according to Indonesia's Foreign Ministry.

Murat Salim Esenli, a member of the Turkish Foreign Policy Advisory Council, welcomed the humanitarian assistance and the arrival of representatives from the Indonesian government at Adana Sakirpasa Airport.

Speaking to the press at the airport, Indonesia’s Human Development and Cultural Affairs Minister Muhadjir Effendy, expressed his condolences for the government and people of Türkiye, especially Turkish earthquake victims.

“I represented the Indonesian government, sent by Mr. President Jokowi to visit and bring aid for the third phase of the victims of the natural disaster in Turkey,” Effendy added.

The minister also underlined that his government would continue to provide support in various forms.

"As we are used to dealing with in Indonesia, after the disaster emergency phase there will be a rehabilitation and reconstruction stage, and it is possible that we will also be involved in the later stages of rehabilitation and reconstruction and we will pass on our experience in handling the rehabilitation and reconstruction stages in Indonesia,” he added.

For his part, Esenli pointed out the friendship between both countries, saying: “Since the dramatic earthquake, we have always felt strong solidarity from Indonesia and Your Majesty's visit today is another testament to the strong bond we enjoy between Indonesia and Türkiye. A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

On Tuesday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo sent off four planes, two to Tü​rkiye and two to Syria, from Jakarta.

At least 140 tons of aid in the form of food, clothing and logistical equipment were transported to help ease the burden on Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims.

At least 43,556 people were killed by two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye on Feb. 6.

The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people across 11 provinces, including Adana, Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, Elazig, and Sanliurfa.

In Syria, at least 5,840 people have been killed in the deadly earthquakes.