By: Ahmad Pahlevi) *
President Jokowi visited Ambon on Monday (10/28/2019). This presence is to ensure optimal handling of earthquake victims. The community also enthusiastically welcomed President Jokowi’s presence in Ambon.
It takes a strong determination to optimize the performance that comes from the heart. Including the presence of RI 1 in a city affected by disasters, Ambon is a reflection of the presence of the country in the disaster area. No doubt, the duty of a head of state is not trivial. Every day struggling with various problems and complaints that sometimes do not stop whack.
However, his special visit to visit the location along with the victims of the earthquake disaster, should be appreciated. Amid his busy schedule as a new leader, Jokowi took the time to come to provide some support. Both moral and spiritual. Even for an instant, this presence made the public’s enthusiasm there so felt. Like dialogue with family, a soothing view in the midst of the disaster was indeed expected by the refugees there. As a form of mental support when everything is lost in the earthquake.
According to a number of reports, Ambon was shaken by an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 SR. The exact location is in Tulehu Village, Salatuhu District, Central Maluku. The earthquake was large enough to cause a number of damage that affected residents’ homes. Through his visit President Jokowi engaged in dialogue with traditional leaders, religious leaders, and earthquake victims. Not to forget he also reviewed the refugee tents, including the emergency hospital Dr. Ishak Umarela, who was at the location. In the barracks, trauma healing facilities are provided, which are useful to suppress or eliminate any traumatic events that have befallen.
In addition to giving his attention regarding the supply of refugee supplies, President Jokowi also provided information about disaster-prone areas. He said that Indonesia was in the area of the ring of fire or popularly known as the Ring of Fire. This area is an area that has the potential for disasters like Ambon. The President also explained the series of disasters ranging from earthquakes to tsunamis in several regions into this category of fire ring disaster. These cities include; Aceh, Lampung, Banten, Yogyakarta, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Palu and Donggala as well as the latest afflicting Maluku. He appealed to residents to continue to increase vigilance and pray that the disaster will end soon. According to him, sincerity is the main factor to immediately rise from the plight that was engulfing.
Traced from a number of literatures, Indonesia itself is in the path of the most active earthquake in the world. Because it is surrounded by the Pacific Ring of Fire and is located on three continental plates, the Indo-Australia from the south, Eurasia from the north and the Pacific from the east.
This geographical condition on the one hand has a disaster-prone impact such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. But on the other hand this makes Indonesia a fertile and rich region in terms of natural resources. Volcanic dust due to volcanic eruptions is believed to fertilize the soil. So people make this reason to stay in the area around the volcano. In addition, the Ring of Fire Ring also provides energy potential for geothermal energy that can be used as an alternative energy source.
The Ring of Fire is shaped like a horseshoe and is able to cover an area of 40,000 kilometers. This area is also popularly known as the Pacific earthquake belt. The largest series of natural disasters and earthquakes is also affected by 90 percent of the position along the ring of fire.
In his work agenda Jokowi was also accompanied by First Lady Iriana along with a number of new Ministers in his cabinet. Among others are; Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, National Head of Regional Disaster Management (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Doni Monardo, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi and not forgetting Maluku Governor Murad Ismail, and also the Regent of Central Maluku, and other regional officials.
Although some parties assess if the visit is part of the performance. However, President Jokowi still gives sincere attention from the heart. It is not an easy matter to share justice for all Indonesian people. However, his presence in the disaster area is expected to be able to have a positive impact on the mental and psychological victims. Not to forget, the role of governmental elements in supporting all state agendas must be respected and respected.
) * The author is a social political observer