Widodo orders mosque be rebuilt in quake stricken town

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia

Indonesia's president announced plans Friday to rebuild a mosque heavily damaged in a 6.4-magnitude earthquake during a trip to affected areas of Aceh.

Data from the country's national disaster management agency (BNPB) shows that at least 14 mosques collapsed, and more than 11,000 homes were damaged during Wednesday's tremor in which 100 people died.

Even though it sustained damage, At-Taqarrub Grand Mosque in Pidie Jaya regency was used as a temporary shelter for residents following the quake.

“I’ve seen At-Taqarrub’s condition, and I’ve decided that this mosque will be rebuilt. We will work on it together. God willing, we will start to clean it up tomorrow and immediately rebuild it,” a press statement quoted Joko "Jokowi" Widodo as saying as he was applauded by those gathered around him.

On arriving at the mosque, dozens of children had burst into a traditional song with some lyrics replaced to express their admiration for the president.

While the country's military and police continue to distribute humanitarian assistance to victims, Widodo -- accompanied by several cabinet ministers -- also visited a hospital and a refuge Friday.

Although the search for victims continues, BNPB has corrected the death toll from 102 to 100.

"After we verified and coordinated [the area], the death toll is now 100," BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told Anadolu Agency on Friday.

He that said more than 23,000 people were displaced by the tremor.

"BNPB continues to send aid via C-130 Hercules aircraft and cargo aircraft weighing nearly 50 tons," Nugroho said, adding that the health ministry is also mobilizing medical personnel and medicines to aid victims, while the ministry of social affairs is dealing with compensation.