Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, on Monday paid tribute to victims of a powerful earthquake that has claimed at least 53 lives as Indonesia commemorated its 81st Independence Day.
Prabowo offered prayers before leading a moment of silence during the Independence Day ceremony at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Kompas TV reported.
“Let us observe a moment of silence to remember the souls and services of the heroes of our nation’s independence who sacrificed their lives and bodies for the independence and honor of the Indonesian nation,” Prabowo said.
The president also prayed for those affected by natural disasters in Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and other regions across Indonesia.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara over the weekend, resulting in dozens of deaths and causing extensive damage in affected areas.
According to Okezone news website, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported on Sunday that the earthquake had killed 53 people, injured 135 others and damaged 154 houses.
