BNPB Chief Reveals Logistics Distribution Data in NTT After Major Earthquake
The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lt Gen Suharyanto, has revealed the situation in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) after it was struck by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake some time ago. Suharyanto said the government is working to accelerate the distribution of logistics to survivors.
“We continue to work hard and quickly to meet the basic needs of people in evacuation shelters and to address shortcomings on the ground,” Suharyanto said in a statement on Friday (21/8/2026).
According to BNPB records, post-earthquake disaster management in NTT is currently facing a number of challenges. Complaints have also come from residents regarding a crisis of clean water and electricity at several posts, including at the Reo evacuation post in Manggarai Regency.
The lack of clean water and electricity has affected survivors. Suharyanto stressed that the government is consistently distributing aid to affected communities.
“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 sent from 15 to 19 August 2026,” he explained.
On 19 August 2026, BNPB recorded the distribution of logistical aid by air totalling 72.77 tonnes. Suharyanto said the delivery priorities on that 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 in Manggarai Regency, carrying presidential aid packages, basic food supplies, family tents, refugee tents, and public donations for distribution to Manggarai and East Manggarai Regencies.
The Indonesian Navy has also deployed a hospital auxiliary ship, 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 tents and two field hospitals have been prepared.
“We are ensuring that distribution continues to reach isolated areas, including by sea and air, so that the basic needs of people in evacuation shelters and affected areas are met,” Suharyanto said.
Infrastructure and Telecommunications Repairs
Suharyanto added that infrastructure recovery is being intensified. He said telecommunications are gradually improving, with priority given to East Manggarai and Ende, supported by free Wi-Fi and mobile generators at emergency posts.
The NTT National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) has handled most landslide points and restored critical road sections and bridges. Suharyanto stressed the importance of maintaining smooth communication for affected residents.
“BNPB, together with regional governments, the TNI/Polri, Basarnas, volunteers, and all elements, continues to work on the ground. I myself directly inspected conditions in Sikka, Ngada, Nagekeo, and Ende to ensure aid reaches the right targets and to hear residents’ needs directly,” he explained.
83 Fatalities Due to the Earthquake
The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has risen to 83 people. The figure is based on Basarnas data as of Friday afternoon.
Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Readiness, Marine Maj Gen Edy Prakoso, said that as of Friday (21/8/2026) at 11.00 WIB, 1,050 people had been recorded as earthquake victims.
“83 people died, 328 people were seriously injured, and 639 suffered minor injuries,” Edy said in a press release.
Edy said East Manggarai Regency is the area with the highest number of victims. A total of 670 people were affected, 70 of whom died.