BNPB Chief Calls for Accelerated Post-Earthquake Handling in East Manggarai
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt Gen TNI Suharyanto, has called for disaster handling in earthquake-affected areas to be carried out quickly, accurately, and based on data. Suharyanto stressed that the basic needs of the community must be addressed immediately.
“Damage assessment must also be accelerated so that the rehabilitation and recovery process can begin promptly,” said Suharyanto while leading a coordination meeting on emergency handling of the earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday (25/8/2026).
The meeting was also attended by East Manggarai Regent Agas Andreas, the Regional Secretary and heads of regional apparatus organisations in East Manggarai, elements of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, and the BNPB regional coordinator for East Manggarai.
East Manggarai is one of the areas severely affected by the Flores earthquake that began on 15 August. Suharyanto encouraged the regional government to begin preparing for the transition from the emergency response phase to recovery.
“The most important thing is that the public knows their damaged homes will be repaired with assistance from the state. After that, those with light and moderate damage can return home. So please finalise the data immediately. BNPB will then verify and lock it in,” said Suharyanto.
“Do not wait for an entire area to be completed. If something is already finished, submit it and process it. We must not let people stay in tents for too long. We must enter the transition phase immediately,” he added.
Suharyanto also asked the regional government to remain present among the community and ensure that information on handling developments is conveyed directly. According to him, the government’s presence is important to build a sense of security among the public.
East Manggarai Regent Agas Andreas reported that there have been 679 earthquake victims in the area so far. A total of 34 people died and the rest suffered serious and minor injuries. In addition, 31,372 people have been displaced because their homes were damaged.
“20,520 housing units were damaged at various levels (light, moderate, and severe),” said Agas.
BNPB has released the latest data on fatalities from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in NTT. BNPB recorded that the death toll had risen to 103 people as of Tuesday (25/8).
The breakdown of fatalities is 41 people in Manggarai, 34 in East Manggarai, 13 in Nagekeo, 6 in Sikka, 5 in Ngada, 3 in Ende, and 1 in West Manggarai.