Aid for NTT Earthquake Victims Expanded to 9 Affected Areas

A number of residents affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are still choosing to sleep in tents due to fears of aftershocks. This situation was observed by the Indonesian Housing and Settlement Developers Association (APERSI) while distributing aid in Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake was followed by more than 4,000 aftershocks. Residents set up tents independently in their yards and open areas.

APERSI Deputy Chairman Adi Dharma said the conditions in NTT prompted the association to expand its first-phase aid distribution from six to nine points. The expansion was based on mapping needs and the conditions of residents on the ground.

“The plan was to distribute at only six points, but we managed to expand to nine distribution points by mapping needs and actual conditions in the field,” said Adi.

Aid was distributed to several areas, including Kampung Wudi, Gapong, Gumbang, Waepesi, and Ngorang in Manggarai Regency, as well as Kampung Saterteu in East Manggarai Regency.

Fundraising through the APERSI Peduli Bencana NTT programme began on 15 August 2026. The first phase of aid was prioritised for areas with major disaster impact and high numbers of fatalities.

As of the evaluation meeting on 22 August 2026, funds collected reached approximately Rp250 million. A total of Rp100 million has been used for the first phase of aid distribution.

APERSI has prepared around 1,500 aid packages for the second phase of distribution. The aid will be distributed to Ende, Sikka, and Nagekeo regencies.

APERSI NTT Chairman Thomas Lay said each regency will receive around 500 aid packages.

“The second phase distribution is planned to target three regencies, namely Ende Regency, Sikka Regency, and Nagekeo Regency, with each regency receiving 500 aid packages,” said Thomas.

The three regencies were selected because they experienced significant house damage due to the disaster.

Overall, the first and second phases of aid are expected to reach around 2,500 affected families. The second phase distribution is targeted to take place in early September 2026.

APERSI will package the second phase aid in individual packages using goodie bags or tote bags. This method was chosen so that aid can be received directly by affected families.

Each package is estimated to be worth Rp100,000 to Rp150,000. The contents include hygiene kits, such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towels, and sanitary pads, as well as a number of basic necessities.

Adi said the evaluation of the first phase distribution was carried out to ensure that aid is more easily distributed and matches the needs of residents.

“This evaluation is carried out so that subsequent aid not only reaches affected areas, but also matches the needs of the community,” said Adi.

APERSI is still open to support from partners, regional administrators, members, and other parties to support the second phase of aid distribution for residents affected by the disaster in NTT.