The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Confirms No Indonesian Citizens Affected by Vanuatu Earthquake

Author: Dian Kencana
December 18, 2024

Magnitude 7.3 earthquake causes widespread damage in Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. (AP)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens (WNI) were victims of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 12:51 p.m. local time.

“Until now, there is no information on Indonesian citizens who are victims of the earthquake (in Vanuatu),” said Judha Nugraha, Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection and BHI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, as reported by Antara.

The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, which holds accreditation in Vanuatu, has coordinated with local authorities and reached out to Indonesians residing in the country. According to the embassy’s records, 48 Indonesians live in Vanuatu, most of whom work as crew members on ships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in communication with local officials to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens.

Vanuatu authorities reported that the worst damage occurred in the capital city of Port Vila, where 14 fatalities and over 200 injuries have been confirmed as of Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.