On 27 December, Minister Counselor Sun Weide attended the donation ceremony in the headquarters of the Red Cross Indonesia (PMI), during which Counselor Sun forwarded USD 100,000 humanitarian emergency cash assistance for Sunda Strait Tsunami to PMI on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China. PMI Secretary General Ritola Tasmaya accepted the donation on behalf of PMI and presented certificate to the Chinese side.
Minister Counselor Sun said, the Sunda Strait tsunami in the evening of 22 December caused great casualty and property losses. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a letter to President Joko Widodo, expressing deep condolences for the perished and sympathies to their families, the injured and people living in affected areas. The Chinese side firmly believes that under the strong leadership of the Indonesian government, the Indonesian people will overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes.
Minister Counselor Sun said, Indonesia is China's friendly neighbor. When Indonesian people is in need, China helps. On behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, I am here to forward 100,000 humanitarian emergency cash assistance to PMI for Sunda Strait Tsunami, in order to support Indonesia's the disaster relief efforts. The Chinese side is also ready to further support the Indonesia's disaster relief and rebuilding efforts to the best extent of its ability, according to the need of the Indonesian side.
Secretary General Ritola thanked the Chinese side for its generous action. Ritola said, China is among the first to donate to Sunda Strait Tsunami through PMI. Indonesia has experienced several severe natural disasters this year, including Lombok earthquake and Central Sulawisi earthquake. China has always offered timely help. It showcased the friendship between Chinese people and Indonesian people. PMI would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Chinese side on behalf of people living in disaster-stricken areas. Ritola also briefed the Chinese side on the damage of the tsunami and the disaster relief efforts by PMI.
In the evening of 22 December, a severe tsunami occurred in the Sunda Strait in Indonesia. The tsunami caused severe casualty and property losses. Except for the 100,000 humanitarian emergency cash assistance from the Red Cross Society of China to PMI, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia also donated Rupiah 400 million through Nahdlatul 'Ulama and Muhammadiyah to provide people in disaster stricken area with emergency logistic needs.
