REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LOMBOK BARAT -- The Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi visited earthquake victims in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday. Some of 2018 Asian Games medalist athletes were among his entourage.
Some of the 2018 Asian Games medalists who took part in the minister's entourage include Yolla Primadona, Hanifan Yudani Kusumah, Pipiet Kamelia, Sapwaturahman, Fadhlin, and Berliana Marsheilla. In addition, athletes from NTB, namely I Gusti Bagus Saputra from BMX sports, and sand volleyball athletes Dhita Juliana and Putu Dini Jasita Utami, also joined the minister's entourage.
On the occasion, Nahrawi was also accompanied by the assistant to coach of the Indonesian soccer team, Bima Sakti, who came with football legend Rocky Melkiano Putiray.
As of Aug 23, at least 555 people were killed, and 829 others were injured, as a result of the strong earthquakes, including the 7.0-magnitude quake that shook Lombok Island on Aug 5, 2018, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
Most fatalities were the residents of North Lombok District areas due to their proximity to the strong earthquake`s epicenter. The repeated earthquakes have also damaged 23,098 houses and led to the forced displacement of 134,236 people.
During his visit to Lombok, Nahrawi visited the refugees in Penyangget Hamlet, Senteluk Village, Batulayar District, West Lombok Regency. Meanwhile, in his remarks, the minister hoped that the people of Lombok would remain strong, uplifting, and quickly rise up and thank Allah SWT.
"Allah knows more about how to love His people. Behind the disaster, there must be something special. My house was also once submerged by the Lapindo mud, but now Allah has blessed me," he remarked.
To further entertain the people, the minister also presented band vocalist Seventeen, Riefian Fajarsyah, and artist Tommy Kurniawan.
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