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Jokowi to quake victims: We'll get through this together

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PIDIE JAYA Indonesian President Joko Widodo pledged yesterday to help the people of Aceh rebuild as he toured areas worst hit by a devastating earthquake that killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless.

Humanitarian assistance is reaching the hardest-hit district of Pidie Jaya, where many spent a second night sleeping in shelters and overcrowded field hospitals.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to the victims overnight, urging them to stay strong.

MET VICTIMS

Mr Widodo, who flew to Aceh yesterday, met with victims in hospitals before visiting a local mosque damaged in the quake.

The earthquake struck at dawn as many in the predominantly Muslim region were preparing for prayers.

"We will rebuild this mosque as soon as possible," he told the gathered crowd. "We'll work through this together."

Madam Rahmawati, who lost her husband and two children in the quake, told AFP that she "is happy the President is willing to see those of us who are grieving".

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