Media Kampung – 07 April 2026 | Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka landed at Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado on Monday night, 6 April 2026, at 19.00 WIB.
He was received by Governor of North Sulawesi Yulius Selvanus, Vice Governor Victor Mailangkay, and officials of the regional coordination forum.
The visit follows the magnitude‑7.6 earthquake that struck the province on 2 April, causing severe damage in several districts.
Christian Iroth, head of the Provincial Administration Bureau, confirmed the schedule, noting that the vice president will remain in Manado until the afternoon of 7 April before returning to Jakarta.
The first site inspected was the KONI building in Sario, where the western wing collapsed under the tremor.
Gibran examined the structural damage, listened to engineers’ assessment, and emphasized the need for swift reconstruction.
He then visited the family of Deitje Lahia, a resident who perished when debris from the same building fell on her home.
The president expressed condolences and pledged government assistance for the bereaved family.
The itinerary continued to the Catholic Church of Bunda Hati Kudus Yesus in Rumengkor, Minahasa, where the roof collapsed and walls cracked.
The church, previously inspected by BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto, showed extensive damage that the vice president urged to repair promptly.
A brief stop in Bitung allowed Gibran to observe the impact on coastal infrastructure near the earthquake’s epicenter.
After completing the damage assessment, the vice president travelled to Minahasa to observe the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program at SMP Negeri 1 Tombulu.
Arriving at the school around 10.00 WIB, he watched the distribution of rice, pumpkin soup, shredded chicken, fried tofu, and watermelon to students.
The school principal reported that the meal program improves nutrition and reduces the tendency of students to buy snacks.
Gibran praised the initiative and encouraged the local education office to upgrade kitchen facilities that were identified as insufficient.
Bupati Minahasa Robby Dondokambey confirmed that the vice president’s suggestions will be taken into account for future facility improvements.
During the school visit, Gibran handed out stationery and interacted briefly with pupils, who welcomed him enthusiastically.
The visit also included a meeting with local volunteers, who expressed pride in meeting the vice president and discussed ongoing relief efforts.
Volunteer leader James Komaling of Solidaritas Merah Putih Sulut said the vice president’s presence highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable development across the archipelago.
He added that the volunteers are ready to assist in reconstruction and distribution of aid in the affected districts.
The earthquake’s epicenter was recorded at 1.25° S and 126.27° E, about 129 km southeast of Bitung, with a depth of 33 km, according to BMKG data.
The tremor was felt throughout Manado with intensity levels IV–V on the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Local authorities reported that dozens of buildings suffered partial collapse, and emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families.
The provincial government has mobilised additional medical teams, engineers, and logistics support to accelerate recovery operations.
Gibran’s two‑day mission underscores the central government’s intent to monitor disaster response and support social programs in remote regions.
He is expected to depart for Jakarta on the afternoon of 7 April after concluding meetings with provincial officials.
The swift assessment and coordination aim to restore normalcy in North Sulawesi while ensuring that vulnerable communities receive timely assistance.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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