VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Five Indonesian citizens and Japan who became volunteers in responding to the Ishikawa earthquake disaster, Kanazawa Prefecture, Japan received the Ambassador Award from the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Japan, Heri Akhmadi. The ambassador gave awards for their contribution in treating affected victims. According to Ambassador Heri Akhmadi in a Press Release from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Friday (22/3), this award was an appreciation of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo to the parties who had made efforts since the earthquake occurred, to collect data, communicate, coordinate and distribute aid to affected Indonesian citizens.

Moreover, the Ambassador Award recipients are Nengsih and Tsuchida Naoto, Hikmah Balbeid and Matsui Seiji, and Wawan Supriyanto. The Award was also given to the Toyama Muslim Center (TMC) which also played a role in providing logistical assistance to earthquake victims, including affected Indonesian citizens.

In addition, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi conveyed that this award was not only a symbol of the attention and gratitude of the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo for the efforts made for Indonesian citizens, but also a reminder of the importance of togetherness and close coordination between the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the local community, particularly in efforts to protect Indonesian citizens. The number of Indonesian citizens affected by the Ishikawa earthquake reached 183 people, consisting of 145 men and 38 women in nine points in Ishikawa Prefecture, namely Ogi, Suzu, Saikai, Wajima, Nanao, Anamizu, Uchinada, Nakanoto and Naomi. Besides, it was also recorded that several Indonesian students who were traveling in the Ishikawa area and surrounding areas were also affected, including nine students at the Isurugi-Toyama shelter, 10 students at the Morinosato-Kanazawa Elementary School shelter, and six people at the Toyama shelter.

Currently there are 1,351 Indonesian citizens in Ishikawa Prefecture. Meanwhile in Kanazawa City there are 481 Indonesian citizens. The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo has also sent staff to Ishikawa to provide direct logistical assistance to affected Indonesian citizens who are still not reached. The assistance provided includes drinking water, staple foods such as bread and rice, instant side dishes and other food ingredients.