Jokowi Visits Earthquake-Hit Church in NTT, Pledges Reconstruction Aid

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited the Santa Familia Lei Church in Tuanggeo Village, Palue District, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday (17/9). The church is one of those on Palue Island affected by the NTT earthquake last August and falls under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Maumere. Jokowi arrived at the church at 06:15 WITA and was welcomed by traditional leader Franky Sanda with the ceremonial presentation of a traditional Flores cloth and a joint prayer. While inspecting the church's condition, Jokowi stated that it must be repaired immediately, especially since the congregation is currently forced to worship in evacuation tents. "Yes, it must be repaired so it can be used again," Jokowi was quoted as saying in a written statement. After inspecting the church, Jokowi and his entourage proceeded to Uwa Harbor to return to Ende, NTT. Jokowi had been visiting earthquake-affected communities in Sikka Regency since Wednesday (16/9). He also had direct dialogues with residents in the evacuation sites. During his visit, residents took the opportunity to report their conditions, including damaged housing and post-earthquake needs. Jokowi also inspected some of the infrastructure and building damage caused by the earthquake. On this occasion, he symbolically handed over aid to the residents. Furthermore, the father of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, also stayed overnight with the affected residents at the evacuation site. Jokowi had previously visited NTT in early August, staying in Kupang for three days from July 31 to August 2. During that visit, he engaged in various activities, including meeting seaweed fishermen at Oesina Beach in Kupang Regency, attending a regional meeting in Kupang City, participating in a fun walk on Car Free Day (CFD), and attending a cultural carnival.