Government Holds Emergency Response Coordination Meeting for NTT Earthquake

Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono attended in person the coordination meeting for handling the East Nusa Tenggara earthquake at the main command post in Manggarai Regency. The hybrid-format meeting discussed the current situation and steps to accelerate emergency response handling in several affected areas.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Saan Mustopa, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, and Sari Yuliati. Also present were representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Basarnas, and several relevant state-owned enterprises.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal said the meeting was held to obtain reports on the current situation, tactical emergency response measures, and needs that must be addressed immediately within the next one to two days.

“We are requesting reports on the existing conditions, the tactical measures being taken in the emergency response, and the actions that must be carried out quickly,” Cucun said in a press release on Sunday (16/8/2026).

Cucun also called for clarity in the division of responsibilities between BNPB, the Ministry of Social Affairs, regional governments, and relevant ministries and agencies. He said rapid action is necessary given that the earthquake’s impact is not limited to Manggarai Regency but also affects several other regencies on Flores Island.

During the meeting, BNPB Head Suharyanto reported that the main earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude and that 995 aftershocks have occurred so far. Several aftershocks were recorded as significant, with magnitudes reaching up to 6.2.

Based on provisional data as of 16 August 2026, six regencies in Flores have been affected by the earthquake, with a total death toll of 53 people. The breakdown is as follows: Manggarai Regency 25 people, East Manggarai 20 people, Sikka 4 people, Ende 2 people, West Manggarai 1 person, and Ngada 1 person.

Suharyanto also reported additional casualties on Palue Island in Sikka Regency. BNPB will immediately conduct an assessment and ensure the logistical needs of communities in that area.

In terms of damage, provisional records show 299 heavily damaged houses, 65 moderately damaged houses, and 50 lightly damaged houses. The data is still being updated as assessments continue in the field.

Responding to the situation, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo expressed the Ministry of Social Affairs’ readiness to ensure that the basic needs of affected communities are met promptly. The ministry is optimising support from logistics warehouses located in the East Nusa Tenggara region.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs has three warehouses, two in Kupang, one at the Efata Centre and one at the Provincial Social Affairs Office. Since yesterday the goods have been ready, but because ships could not sail due to conditions, they only began moving tonight,” Agus Jabo said.

According to Agus, distribution access constraints have prompted the ministry to prepare an alternative strategy by procuring supplies directly at the affected locations. This measure is intended to ensure that community needs do not have to wait for all logistics to arrive from the warehouses.

Priority assistance includes food supplies and emergency necessities such as tents, blankets, clothing, and provisions for women and children.

“What we are distributing includes food supplies and logistics. The logistics include tents, blankets, and items for women and children,” he said.

To strengthen food security for affected communities, the Ministry of Social Affairs is also arranging the procurement of 48 tonnes of rice through cooperation with the local Bulog office.

In addition to logistical assistance, the ministry is operating public kitchens in several areas with large numbers of displaced people, including Nagekeo, Sikka, and Manggarai. The total production capacity of the public kitchens prepared over seven days reaches 168,854 portions.

The ministry has also distributed compensation to the heirs of deceased victims. Two identified heirs have each received Rp15 million in compensation.

“Symbolically, two people have been identified. We have given each heir Rp15 million. Once the data is synchronised, we will immediately distribute the rest,” Agus Jabo said.

Agus stressed that the ministry will continue to adjust distribution patterns according to field conditions. For areas that are difficult to reach by land or sea, the ministry will procure supplies locally and coordinate with BNPB for air transport support.

“We will make every effort to ensure that basic needs at disaster sites are met quickly, while waiting for logistics to arrive from the warehouses we have sent via sea routes,” Agus Jabo said.

The meeting also discussed the restoration of basic services affected by the earthquake. BNPB reported that the Manggarai Regional General Hospital suffered damage, resulting in limited services. To support health services, the Ministry of Health will deploy a field hospital using a Hercules aircraft.

Meanwhile, relevant ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises continue to coordinate on restoring electricity, fuel availability, and communication networks in affected areas.