JAYAPURA - The Papua Provincial Government is still calculating the damage to the government building due to the M5.2 earthquake on Thursday (9/2/2023).

The calculation process is expected to be completed in the near future which is immediately evaluated for immediate improvement, in order to support the government process and services to the community.

"The assessment or counting of government buildings that have suffered damage has started since last weekend and is still ongoing today."

"The assessment of the building is carried out by the Regional Disaster Management Agency and related agencies so that it is known how much the loss is and what can be improved," explained Acting Governor of Papua, Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun, Monday (13/2/2023).

Nevertheless, Ridwan ensured that damage to the Papua Provincial Government office building did not interfere with government services. Because until now, there have been no reports of service obstacles from the heads of agencies.

"There is a cracked building from the impact of the earthquake but all government services are normal. We have experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, so working not in the office is also possible," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Satpol PP and Papua Regional Disaster Management, Welliam R Manderi, said that most of the office buildings owned by the Papua Provincial Government were damaged, including the new Governor Office.

"The floor in the Sasana Krida area is cracked and the ceiling is falling. Then the new Governor Office also has cracks in the walls and ceilings on the 8th floor, besides that the walls of the Bappeda Office also have cracks," he said.

It is known that the damage assessment team involved in the assessment process includes BPBD Papua, the Geological Center of Cenderawasih University, the PUPR Office and several technical teams. ***