After a review of the most badly affected areas in North Lombok, Jokowi held a meeting with officials where he issued a number of directives to ensure relief efforts ran smoothly in the hope of restoring the local economy as soon as possible.

The first and most immediate command was to find out how many houses had been damaged so that government assistance could be distributed as quickly and as efficiently as possible. He ordered that funds be immediately disbursed to those households whose homes had been most severely damaged to the tune of IDR 50 million per household.

Starting immediately he said, "I hope assistance for at least one thousand households can be handed over." He went on to say that as soon as these funds had been released, assistance for those less severely impacted would be carried out.

Jokowi also wants economic activity in the affected areas to be restored as soon as possible and asked his staff to prioritize the improvement of economic supporting facilities such as markets. More than 2,500 members of Indonesia's armed forces have also been deployed to assist.

President Jokowi taking charge and offering a clear plan for relief and recovery in Lombok.

"Structural damage to buildings has been widespread and total," said Terje Nilsen, Principal of Harcourts Seven Stones after returning from a three-day visit to assist with relief efforts in some of the villages hit hardest. This is something Jokowi wants to address as part of his drive for recovery, saying local residents have to be educated about the construction of earthquake-resistant houses to minimize damage if another disaster strikes again.  He suggested that RISHA (Simple Healthy Home) construction be driven by the Ministry of Public Works so that more homes are earthquake resistant. In addition, Jokowi also instructed the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to help improve education and health facilities damaged or destroyed by the earthquake.

Widespread destruction after Lombok's devastating earthquakes.

In a written statement released by the Tourism Minister, Arief Yahya, the President's visit and leadership sends a strong message to the local community and to the world that the recovery of Lombok's main industry of tourism can recover and be accelerated.

Domestic tourists are expected to be lead the way in supporting the island's recovery followed by foreign visitors as relief efforts increase and confidence grows. Arief noted that the tourism industry could accelerate the recovery process adding "Australian tourists are already wanting to fly to Lombok."

Underscoring the perception that Lombok is safe is critical to the success and speed of recovery. Theo Dandine from Origin and Amber Resort in the south of Lombok told WILLIAMS MEDIA "the earthquake was strong in the north but we are grateful the south of the island including Kuta and our hotel has had almost no damage at all. The airport, roads, restaurants, shops and hotels are all open and welcoming guests as usual."

"What Lombok needs now is money and manpower," said Dandine. "We are hoping our tourism partners will understand that the south is safe and continue to come and enjoy some of the best beaches in Indonesia."

Local Bali based initiatives and private businesses are also playing their part. Patagonia Xpress and Bounty Cruises, for example, ran non-stop for around three days evacuating tourists from the Gili Islands and continue to help, as together with local supermarket chain Coco Mart, they are bringing in logistical supplies every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Bali.

Details of the Lombok Earthquake Relief initiative can be found on their Facebook page.

The Lombok Earthquake Relief Group has also created a public Facebook page and offered coordination for victims to post where they are and what they need as well as a platform for people to share details of events, fundraising and promotions, collect donations, sell t-shirts and offer their skills and time to help.

Sources: Detik, CNN Indonesia, Merdeka, Kompas, Suara Merdeka

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