After NTT Earthquake: 12 Landslide Points Handled, 3 Dams Still in Good Condition
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has said the government is prioritising the restoration of connectivity so that aid distribution and public mobility are not disrupted. AHY has asked the Ministry of Public Works (PU) to deploy the necessary resources to reopen severed access routes and restore basic infrastructure in affected areas.
“Connectivity is the priority, because without access, aid will not arrive. Therefore, affected roads must be addressed immediately so that the mobility of personnel, logistical assistance, and the public can continue,” AHY said in a press release on Sunday (16/8/2026).
Based on a report from the Ministry of Public Works through the East Nusa Tenggara National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN NTT), 12 landslide points are currently being handled on several main road sections. Three points are on the Ruteng-KM 210 section, one point on the KM 210-Manggarai Regency border section, and eight other points on the Aegela-Ende City border section.
Heavy equipment including loaders and excavators has been deployed to clear landslide material and keep road access functional. The work is being carried out with attention to the safety of personnel given the continued potential for aftershocks.
The restoration of basic services, especially water availability for the public, is also a priority. The Ministry of Public Works is continuing inspections of water resources infrastructure in affected areas. Based on initial checks, the Napungete, Waerita, and Mbay dams are visually in good condition, while more detailed technical inspections are still being carried out. At the Wae Laku weir and irrigation network in East Manggarai, minor damage to the weir was found along with landslides covering secondary channels.
The Nusa Tenggara II River Basin Agency (BBWS) has also placed various supporting equipment on standby, including drilling rigs and truck cranes, to accelerate handling if needed in the field.
The government is also paying attention to the Waemese drinking water supply system (SPAM) in Labuan Bajo so that drinking water services for the public can be restored promptly. Handling of the Wae Laku irrigation area in East Manggarai is also continuing to maintain water resources services for the community.
“Our priority from the infrastructure side is to ensure that damage and severed access do not worsen the condition of the community or hamper emergency handling. Affected connectivity and basic services must be restored as quickly as possible,” AHY stressed.
Tens of thousands of basic food packages from Presidential Assistance (Banpres) have also been dispatched to meet the needs of affected communities. Meanwhile, relevant ministries and agencies continue to carry out handling according to their respective duties and authorities.
“The government is moving quickly. The most important thing is to ensure that affected communities receive the help, assistance, and services they need. Access to affected areas must also be secured immediately so that the emergency handling process is not hampered,” AHY said.
In addition to direct handling on the ground, the government is continuing to inspect and verify damage to roads, bridges, water resources infrastructure, drinking water supply systems, residents’ homes, and other public facilities. The assessment serves as the basis for determining handling needs in the next phase.
AHY stressed that handling will not stop after the emergency response phase. Once the emergency situation is addressed, the government will continue with rehabilitation and reconstruction based on the results of damage assessments and the needs of communities on the ground.
“After the emergency phase, we must ensure that rehabilitation and reconstruction are completed thoroughly. Infrastructure that is rebuilt must be stronger and more earthquake-resistant so that the public is also better protected,” he said.