District Head in NTT Resigns After Confronting BNPB Officials; Local Government Appoints Acting Official

The East Manggarai Regency Government, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has appointed Emilianus Hardjonit as the Acting District Head of North Lamba Leda. Emilianus previously served as the Head of the Public Services Section at the North Lamba Leda District Office.

Emilianus replaces Agustinus Supratman, who resigned from the position. Supratman’s resignation followed a viral incident in which he was seen reprimanding officials from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) concerning aid issues for local residents.

“It is settled. Emilianus Hardjonit is now the Acting District Head of North Lamba Leda,” stated the Regional Secretary of East Manggarai, Winsensius Tala, to detikBali on Sunday (30/08/2026).

The Deputy Regent of East Manggarai, Tarsisius Syukur, explained that following the submission of Supratman’s resignation letter, the Regent of East Manggarai, Agas Andreas, immediately appointed Emilianus Hardjonit as the acting official.

According to Tarsisius, the appointment aims to ensure that government duties at the district level continue uninterrupted amidst efforts to manage and recover from the aftermath of the M 7.7 earthquake.

“This is to ensure there are no issues so that the distribution of aid to all villages can be carried out effectively. That is why the Regent appointed the Head of Public Services as the acting district head,” Tarsisius explained.

It was previously reported that the District Head of North Lamba Leda, Agustinus Supratman, resigned after a video of him scolding BNPB officials went viral. Supratman has confirmed his resignation.

“Greetings, I am Agus Supratman, and I am resigning as the District Head of North Lamba Leda, effective from 23 August 2026,” Supratman told detikBali on Saturday (29/08/2026).

Supratman explained that the decision was made without pressure from any party and was a decision made for the sake of his small family. He expressed hope that all parties would understand his decision wisely.

“It is indeed not ideal to resign in the midst of such a situation. However, this decision was taken for the common good and for the greater interest. I hope all parties can understand this decision wisely. Once again, I hope everyone understands,” Supratman stated.