Afghanistan that suffered an earthquake in October 2023, and Papua New Guinea which was hit by a devastating landslide have received humanitarian aid from the Indonesian government.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo saw off his country’s humanitarian aid for victims of natural disasters that occurred in Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan, at Halim Perdanakusuma Indonesian Air Force Base in Capital Jakarta on Monday (July 8).

“We know that on May 24, 2024, a devastating landslide occurred in Papua New Guinea’s Enga Province. In October 2023 there was also an earthquake in Afghanistan, which claimed many casualties and refugees," the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat quoted President Widodo as saying on Tuesday.

The Indonesian government, through the National Disaster Management Agency, sent various types of humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan, including medicine, food and hygiene kits, the president.

"Hopefully this assistance can help relieve our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan, and get them back on their feet soon," he said.

The head of state called on the delegates taking the aid to carry out the mission as well as possible and asked them to maintain health and safety while on duty.

On a separate occasion, the agency’s Head Suharyanto explained that the delivery of humanitarian aid showed the Indonesian people’s concern for Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. The assistance was distributed with commercial and cargo aircraft.

“We distribute the humanitarian aid directly using a Garuda A330 Airbus plane and a cargo plane," he pointed out.

Among officials accompanying the president on the occasion included Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Reporting by Indonesia Window