Government Does Not Yet Need Foreign Aid for NTT Earthquake, Prasetyo Hadi Explains Why

State Secretary Minister (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi has affirmed that the government is still able to manage the impact of the magnitude 7 earthquake that struck several areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Because disaster response is still considered to be proceeding well, the government has not yet opened the option of accepting assistance from foreign countries. “Not yet (opening up to assistance from other countries),” said Prasetyo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).

Prasetyo said the decision was based on periodic reports received by the government from officers conducting monitoring in the field. From these reports, the government assessed that the needs for handling the earthquake’s impact can still be met.

According to Prasetyo, the government continues to monitor conditions in the affected areas and ensure that the various needs of the community can be addressed. The government is not only attending to the logistical needs of affected residents, but also shelter requirements and plans for restoring the homes of those affected by the earthquake.

“We will see later, because based on the daily reports we receive from colleagues monitoring the field, everything can still be handled well,” said Prasetyo.

He added that logistical needs and shelter are still being handled by the government. In addition, the government has also begun identifying the need for temporary housing (huntara) and permanent housing (huntap) for affected communities.

“Both logistical needs, shelter, and even plans for repairing temporary and permanent housing are already in the identification process,” he added.

The statement also indicates that the government is still evaluating developments on the ground before determining whether it requires support from other countries.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that on-the-ground response efforts are continuing even though there are no longer reports of missing residents following the earthquake. Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) remain on standby in seven affected districts.

“Basarnas teams remain on standby in seven affected districts. As of today, 17 August, there are no longer reports of missing residents in the affected areas,” said Berton during a press conference on Monday (17/8/2026).