REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TANA TORAJA -- President Joko Widodo has conveyed condolences to the victims of the Sunda Strait tsunami that hit the districts of Pandeglang, Serang and South Lampung on Saturday. Shortly after receiving the report on the disaster, Jokowi said, he has ordered his aides to take necessary measures.

"I offer my deep condolences to the victims of (the tsunami) in Serang and Pandeglang of Banten (province), " President Joko Widodo or Jokowi as he popularly known, said after a Christmas celebration here on Sunday.

The President reiterated that he continued to monitor the situation and waited for further report from the sites.

"This morning I have ordered the head of BNPB (the National Disaster Mitigation Agency), the Social Affairs Minister and the military chief. All of them have started to work in the field," he added.

Jokowi is still monitoring updates on the death toll, missing and injured victims. He noted that the government would optimize its efforts during the emergency status period. "The point is that during this emergency period we can work fast and efficiently in the field."

At least 168 people were killed when a tsunami hit the coastal areas in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Hundreds of victims were injured and still missing. Dozens of houses and hotels were severely damaged because of the tsunami.

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