The 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Ternate City and the surrounding area last Thursday (April 2) caused damage to residential areas and prompted affected residents to evacuate to various locations, particularly in outlying areas such as Batang Dua District.
In response to this situation, through its Harita Nickel Peduli program, the company has distributed humanitarian aid as part of the company’s initial response, focusing on areas that have been significantly affected and face logistical challenges.
The handover of the relief supplies took place at the Main Disaster Command Post at the former Ternate Mayor’s Office on Sunday, April 5. The supplies were handed over by Dedi Hermansyah, Head of the Ternate Representative Office of Harita Nickel, accompanied by Setyo Budi Lestari, Government Relations & Compliance Superintendent, and received by Rizal Marsaoly, Secretary of Ternate City.
The aid distributed includes tarps, mattresses, rice, instant noodles, blankets, and medicines, which were delivered through the Main Command Post to support temporary housing needs, daily logistics, and health services for affected residents. The distribution was carried out in coordination with the Main Disaster Command Post to ensure it followed the mechanisms established by the government.
Dedi Hermansyah, Head of Harita Nickel’s Ternate Representative Office, stated that the company’s presence in North Maluku also entails a social responsibility to be there during emergencies. “Harita Nickel is part of North Maluku. We share the grief felt by the residents. We hope this assistance can help ease the burden on the affected communities, particularly in Batang Dua,” said Dedi.
He hopes that the affected residents can quickly recover mentally and resume their normal activities. “May they be granted resilience and patience in facing this trial,” concluded Dedi.
The Regional Secretary of Ternate City, Rizal Marsaoly, appreciates Harita Nickel’s initiative. His office also plans to distribute humanitarian aid directly to residents today. “Thank you to Harita Nickel for its concern for the earthquake-affected residents. What has been provided is very helpful, as logistical aid is exactly what the affected residents need right now,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of synergy between the private sector and the government in dealing with emergency situations like the current one, as such collaboration will alleviate the burden on disaster-affected residents.
Similarly, Robyanto Koloca, the District Head of Batang Dua, also expressed his appreciation for Harita Nickel’s concern. He noted that the situation in the affected areas still requires serious attention from various parties so that the recovery process can proceed more quickly.
“The impact of the earthquake in Batang Dua has been quite significant, affecting both residents’ homes and places of worship. This assistance from Harita Nickel is truly meaningful. We will distribute it to the affected residents as soon as possible. We hope that this kind of collaboration between the government and the private sector will continue to be strong, especially in emergency situations like this,” said Robyanto.