BPKN says Pertamina's rapid response crucial to NTT recovery

Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) Chairman Mufti Mubarok has assessed PT Pertamina (Persero)’s rapid response as an important step in the recovery of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, because energy is a basic need.

“Energy is a basic need, so keeping fuel and LPG available is just as important as humanitarian aid,” Mufti said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

The restoration of fuel stations is a crucial part of disaster response because fuel is needed not only by the public to resume their activities, but also by vehicles transporting aid, health workers, and various operational needs in the field.

“The situation in NTT itself shows that distribution remains a challenge in several archipelagic areas,” he said.

In the post-earthquake situation, fuel means ambulances can move, logistics transport vehicles can run, heavy equipment can operate, and the public can resume economic activities.

For that reason, restoring energy supply is essentially part of restoring life.

Meanwhile, Pertamina Vice President Corporate Communication Muhammad Baron said most fuel stations in Flores have resumed operations.

“Other services are being restored gradually with safety as the priority,” Baron said.

At the same time, Pertamina is carrying out its humanitarian function through the Pertamina Peduli programme. As of 25 August 2026, the value of aid distributed has reached Rp1.717 billion.

The scale of the aid was carried out to ensure the disaster response does not stop at providing basic food packages.

In the breakdown of aid distributed, Pertamina recorded, among others, basic food packages, ready-to-eat meal packages, instant noodles, eggs, and mineral water.

To carry out the entire response, Pertamina deployed 289 volunteers.

A total of 220 people are operational distribution volunteers from FT Reo, FT Maumere, and FT Ende, while 58 people are tasked with aid distribution and post management, and 11 are medical volunteers.

Pertamina has also prepared follow-up assistance worth Rp877.34 million. The plan includes health support, equipment, basic food packages and ready-to-eat meals, as well as clean water.