REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NUSA DUA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) noted that Singapore was one of the first countries that offered aid when Lombok, Palu, and Donggala were hit by earthquake and tsunami disasters. Jokowi noted that he had to express the appreciation because Singapore was one of the most responsive countries to Indonesia following the disasters.

"On behalf of the people and the government of Indonesia, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude over the condolences, sympathy, and solidarity that Singapore has given us," he stated at a joint press conference with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after a meeting here on Thursday.

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During the meeting, Loong conveyed his condolences and sympathy directly to Jokowi.

He remarked that Singapore would be with Indonesia in the midst of hardship. "Singapore will stand by Indonesia in facing the current hardship," Loong asserted.

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Singapore has sent two military planes to help deliver humanitarian aid and other supplies needed for recovery efforts, including evacuation of victims from the affected areas following the disaster.

"Many organizations and Singapore's non-governmental organizations have actively collected funds to support aid efforts. We believe the affected region and population would soon be recovered under the leadership of the president," he pointed out.

Jokowi and Loong held Indonesia-Singapore Leader's Retreat on Oct 11, during which the two discussed and followed up the cooperation that has and will be carried out.

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