inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has requested that rapid service and rescue of people be the top priority in handling the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck North Sulawesi and North Maluku.
"As directed by the President, we must provide very rapid service. Rescuing peopleis the top priority," emphasized Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Thursday (April 2, 2026).
He also emphasized the importance of collecting data on victims and infrastructure affected by the disaster. He said information is crucial in post-disaster management so that evacuations can be carried out quickly and aid distributed appropriately.
"In the early stages, we must continue searching for, rescuing, and evacuating victims as quickly as possible. We must ensure the best possible service," said Pratikno.
Furthermore, the rehabilitation and reconstruction processes must be carried out carefully according to established procedures. Coordinating Minister Pratikno also reminded that disasters can be an opportunity to educate the public about future disaster risks.
"They (the public) must understand earthquakes and how to protect themselves," he said.
Regarding this, Pratikno asked local governments to ensure that development does not pose new risks to the community. He stated that buildings constructed below standards should not become a cause of disaster.
"Construction development should not cause flooding, nor should pose a risk to the community, for example building structures that do not meet standards, and so on," said Pratikno.
Previously, a 7.6 magnitude tectonic earthquake, centered at sea, approximately 129 kilometers southeast of Bitung City (North Sulawesi), was detected at a depth of 33 kilometers.
This earthquake was a shallow earthquake caused by crustal deformation activity with a thrust fault mechanism. Strong tremors were felt in several areas, including Ternate (North Maluku) with an intensity of V-VI MMI, Manado with an intensity of IV-V MMI, and several areas in Gorontalo with an intensity of II-III MMI.
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