Government Accelerates Disaster Response and Infrastructure Recovery Following NTT Earthquake
The government is moving quickly to address the impact of the earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). The main focus is prioritising the handling and evacuation of victims, distribution of aid, reopening of severed access routes, and restoration of connectivity and basic public services.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), stated that President Prabowo Subianto has ordered all levels of government to carry out rapid and integrated handling. Several central government officials have also been assigned to travel directly to Labuan Bajo and Maumere to ensure field operations run optimally.
“The government is moving quickly. The most important thing is to ensure affected communities receive the assistance, aid, and services they need. Access to affected areas must also be secured immediately so that the emergency response process is not hampered,” said AHY on Sunday (16/8).
As a concrete measure, tens of thousands of basic food packages from Presidential Assistance (Banpres) have been dispatched to meet the urgent needs of the community. From the infrastructure sector, AHY has instructed the Ministry of Public Works (PU) to deploy resources to reopen severed access routes.
Currently, the Ministry of Public Works, through the NTT National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), is handling 12 landslide points. Heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators has been deployed to clear landslide debris so that the mobility of personnel and logistical aid remains functional, while remaining alert to the potential for aftershocks.
Restoration of basic services, particularly water availability, is another priority. The Ministry of Public Works is inspecting water resources infrastructure in affected areas. Based on initial assessments, the Napungete, Waerita, and Mbay dams are visually in good condition, although detailed technical inspections are still ongoing.
However, minor damage was found to the weir and Wae Laku Irrigation Area network in East Manggarai due to landslides covering the secondary channel. The Nusa Tenggara II River Basin Agency (BBWS) has prepared drilling rigs and truck cranes to accelerate repairs. The government is also giving special attention to the Waemese SPAM in Labuan Bajo so that drinking water services for residents can be restored promptly.
AHY emphasised that the response will not stop at the emergency phase. The government will proceed to the rehabilitation and reconstruction stage based on the results of damage assessments of residents’ homes and public facilities.
“Infrastructure that is rebuilt must be stronger and more earthquake-resistant so that communities are better protected,” he stressed.