FKBI: Fuel availability vital in NTT disaster response

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the Indonesian Consumers Empowerment Forum (FKBI) Tulus Abadi said the availability of fuel is vital in disaster response because it directly affects the smooth distribution of logistics, food, clean water and public services.

“Pertamina’s swift action in the emergency response situation in NTT is urgent and indeed necessary. Fuel is a very vital commodity. Without a stable energy supply, the distribution of food, drinking water and various other logistical needs could be disrupted,” Tulus said in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Tulus, the main focus during the emergency response phase is to ensure that affected areas do not experience disruptions in fuel and LPG supplies.

He said energy distribution needs to be secured through all available modes of transport, including sea and air routes if necessary.

“Areas affected by the earthquake must be a priority in securing energy supplies. There must be no fuel shortages because energy demand actually increases in emergency situations, especially when there are power outages and people have to use generators,” he said.

Furthermore, Tulus stressed that Pertamina holds a very strategic position in supporting the post-disaster recovery process.

According to him, the energy products distributed by Pertamina are part of the basic infrastructure that underpins community activities and the regional economy.

“Fuel is needed for people’s vehicles, logistics transport and power generation. Likewise LPG, both subsidised and non-subsidised, which is a daily household necessity. Therefore, the smooth supply of energy will greatly determine the speed of recovery of social and economic activity in earthquake-affected areas,” Tulus said.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga for the East Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara (Jatimbalinus) region has redirected fuel supplies to the Flores area by sending 16 tanker trucks from Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, following the earthquake that damaged the Reo fuel terminal.

Area Manager for Communication, Relations & CSR at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus Ahad Rahedi said the move was taken to ensure fuel needs in the Flores area, particularly northern Flores, remain met after the Reo fuel terminal suffered damage from the earthquake centred in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, on 15 August 2026.