www.INDONESIATRAVEL.NEWS– The Lombok earthquake really made all elements of the Indonesian nation mourn. Including the number one person and second in charge in Indonesia. After Friday prayers, August 10th 2018 President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla performed Al Ghaib Prayers (“the Unseen Prayers – ed”) at the Baiturrahim Mosque, Jakarta Presidential Palace.
The sunnah service was specifically aimed to pray for the earthquake victims in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The 2 consecutive earthquakes occurred in the priority tourist destination, which was 7.0 SR on August 5th 2018 and 6.2 SR on August 9th 2018.
The President entered The Baiturrahim Mosque at 11.59 WIB. The President appeared wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and a black cap. A few minutes later, the Vice President wearing a blue batik shirt and a black cap arrived at The Baiturrahim Mosque.
Both of them then performed Friday Prayers with other congregations. After Friday prayers, the Imam then invited the congregations to pray for the victims of the Lombok earthquake which occurred on Sunday, August 5th 2018.
“Let’s perform Al Ghaib Prayers,” said the Imam.
At around 12.28 WIB, the Al Ghaib Prayers completed. The President and Vice President then left the The Baiturrahim Mosque.
After the prayers, the President conducted an inauguration for the members of the Central Executive Board and Advisory Council of the Republic of Indonesia Veterans Legion Center (LVRI) for the 2017-2022 Service Period. Furthermore, the President held a limited meeting related to natural disasters in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
In attendance during Friday Prayers and the Al Ghaib Prayers at The Baiturrahim Mosque, including Minister of State Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, National Armed Forces Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Head of Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono and Head of Secretariat Vice President Mohamad Oemar.
From the Ministry of Tourism Sapta Pesona Building, Tourism Minister also invited all his staff to pray for the victims of the Lombok disaster as well as for their family.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya explained the emergency response related to tourism continues to be monitored and a quick response has also been executed. Especially for tourists who are at tourist destination points. “The Ministry of Tourism’s Crisis Center team focused on ensuring 3A elements; Access, Amenities and Attractions are safe. More over, until tonight at 18:00 the situation is under control,” said Arief Yahya.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno have been closely investigated and guarded by the officials. Even the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian themselves joined the investigation. The Ministry of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi himself sent the tourists from Gili islands to Lombok and Bali.
“We continue to monitor, record, and ensure that tourists will continue to enjoy their travel, even after the earthquake. We have Crisis Center posts in Lombok, Jakarta and Bali that are being closely monitored for all latest developments, “said Arief Yahya. (*)
