Government Optimistic It Can Handle NTT Earthquake Impact, Foreign Aid Not Yet Opened

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has stated that the government is capable of handling the impact of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Prasetyo emphasised that the government has not yet opened the option of assistance from foreign countries.

“Not yet (opening assistance from other countries),” said Prasetyo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).

According to Prasetyo, the government is optimistic it can manage the disaster’s impact based on periodic reports from the field. The government has also prepared logistical aid, temporary shelters (huntara), and permanent housing (huntap).

“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.

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

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) previously reported that there are no longer any residents declared missing due to the magnitude 7 earthquake in NTT. Nevertheless, the Basarnas team remains on full alert in the field.

“The Basarnas team is still on standby in seven affected districts. As of today, 17 August, there are no longer reports of missing residents in the affected areas. However, the Basarnas team continues to carry out search efforts and deploy personnel optimally in the affected areas,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, in a press conference, Monday (17/8/2026).

In addition, Berton said the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has sent two field hospital units to the affected locations to accelerate medical treatment for victims.

“The Ministry of Health has sent two field hospital units to Ruteng, Manggarai Regency, and Nagekeo Regency. It is hoped that these hospitals can immediately serve residents who are victims of the earthquake and require evacuation,” said Berton.

“Given that many hospital and community health centre facilities were also affected by this earthquake,” he added.

Fatalities: 68 Lives

BNPB has also updated the data on victims affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake in NTT. BNPB stated the latest death toll is 68 people.

“68 people died,” said Berton.

“We continue to monitor the number of victims and will continue to report if any additional victims are found,” he added.