BNPB Chief Admits Shortcomings in Handling NTT Earthquake Victims
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, has said the government is continuing to accelerate the fulfilment of basic logistical needs for displaced people affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). He also acknowledged that shortcomings remain.
“We are working hard and fast to meet the basic needs of communities in evacuation shelters and to address the deficiencies occurring on the ground,” Suharyanto said in a written statement on Friday (21/8).
He said disaster management in NTT is still facing a number of challenges that must be addressed in an integrated manner immediately.
Suharyanto acknowledged residents’ complaints regarding the clean water and electricity crisis at several posts, including at the Reo Evacuation Post in Manggarai Regency.
“We understand the difficulties experienced by our brothers and sisters in the evacuation shelters. The president’s logistical aid has been distributed, with a total of 411 tonnes of aid sent from 15 to 19 August 2026,” Suharyanto said.
He said the fulfilment of logistics for affected residents continues to be intensified. On 19 August, BNPB recorded the distribution of 72.77 tonnes of logistical aid via air routes.
Delivery priorities on the same day included 5,000 basic food packages to the Maumere Post and 2,900 basic food packages to the Labuan Bajo Post.
A number of naval vessels have been deployed to assist with logistics distribution. The Republic of Indonesia Ship (KRI) Bung Hatta has departed from Labuan Bajo Port to Reok Port, Manggarai Regency, carrying aid packages from the President of the Republic of Indonesia, basic food supplies, family tents, refugee tents, and public donations for distribution to Manggarai and East Manggarai Regencies.
The Indonesian Navy has also deployed KRI dr. Soeharso to support health services. Logistical support includes rice, basic food supplies, mineral water, medicines, mattresses, blankets, tents, hygiene kits, fuel, generators, and other necessities.
A total of 882 tent units (215 refugee tents measuring 6×12 and 667 family tents measuring 4×4) as well as two field hospitals have been prepared.
“We are ensuring that distribution continues to reach isolated areas, including via sea and air routes, so that the basic needs of residents in evacuation shelters and affected areas are met,” he said.
The number of fatalities from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) continues to rise. As of Thursday afternoon (20/8), the reported death toll stood at 75 people.
“Yesterday we reported 71 fatalities. Today the figure has increased by four, with details of two additional deaths in Sikka Regency, one in Manggarai Regency, and one in Nagekeo,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, during a BNPB press conference on Thursday (20/8).
BNPB also reported 907 people injured as a result of the earthquake. In addition, due to the large number of aftershocks, the number of displaced people has also increased.
“Currently, we have recorded 92,735 people, up from the previous figure of 59,647,” he said.