VIVAnews - The earthquake occurred in Padang, West Sumatra may disturb the country's economy since West Sumatra is one of the areas which has been considered as the government's focus for economic growth revitalization.
"Padang is one of the production bases for CPO [crude palm oil] and other [productions]. It is quite important, therefore [the quake] will give a serious impact [to the economy]," said Finance Minister Sri Mulyani in Jakarta on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The 7.6 Richter scale earthquake has destroyed buildings in the economic center in West Sumatra, which at least killed 223 people and buried hundreds people under the building ruins.
Mulyani added that the infrastructure damage will definitely create an implication on the government's budget and effort to construct the area.
Therefore, the speed to recover the infrastructure and transportation will be very crucial. It must be the main focus for the Public Works Minister and Transportation Minister who will manage all aspects based on human covering.
The government will adapt the disaster management model in Yogyakarta and the management process, which is used in Tasikmalaya now to rehabilitate the area. The regional government will act as the coordinator, receiving the funding support from the central government. The government will also monitor the field condition. "It may be heavier [situation] than in Yogyakarta," she added.
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Translated by: Ariyantri E. Tarman
