Gus Ipul: NTT Earthquake Logistics and Public Kitchens Operating, Compensation Being Prepared
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has confirmed that the Ministry of Social Affairs continues to strengthen emergency response efforts for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), ranging from meeting basic needs, operating public kitchens, providing shelter facilities, to psychosocial support.
As of 19 August 2026, the total assistance prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs for the NTT earthquake response has reached Rp 17.27 billion. The assistance includes 48 tonnes of regular rice, 7,500 food packages, shelter and public kitchen equipment, logistics buffer stock, as well as compensation for those who died and were injured.
“The most important thing now is to ensure the basic needs of affected communities are met. Logistics must keep moving, public kitchens must serve residents, and our officers must be present to assist communities at evacuation sites,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Wednesday (19/8/2026).
Based on preliminary data, the earthquake resulted in 70 deaths and 665 injuries. A total of 31,220 people have been displaced and 16,411 households have been affected.
The data remains provisional and may change according to developments on the ground.
Gus Ipul said his ministry is also preparing compensation for the heirs of 70 deceased victims, each amounting to Rp 15 million, as well as compensation for 199 injured victims, each amounting to Rp 5 million.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all the families of the victims. For those still undergoing treatment or staying in evacuation centres, we want to ensure the state is present and services continue to run,” said Gus Ipul.
To support food needs, public kitchen services have been prepared in seven affected areas. The recorded capacities include Nagekeo at 4,000 portions per day, Sikka at 4,500 portions, Manggarai at 5,000 portions, East Manggarai at 5,500 portions, Ende at 1,500 portions, and Ngada at 2,000 portions per day.
Meanwhile, services in West Manggarai are still undergoing assessment.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has also allocated food packages to several regions, namely Nagekeo 1,000 packages, Sikka 2,000 packages, East Manggarai 500 packages, Ende 2,000 packages, and Ngada 2,000 packages.
In addition, the buffer stock prepared includes ready-to-eat meals, children’s food, roll-up tents and family tents, family kits, kids ware, mattresses, blankets, adult and children’s clothing, shower kits, and portable toilets.
Gus Ipul stressed that the response will continue through the distribution of logistics and basic necessities, the operation of public kitchens and shelter facilities, psychosocial support and social services, as well as coordination with local governments and various stakeholders.
“We will continue to adjust assistance according to needs on the ground. The principle is that affected communities must not lack basic necessities and no area in need should experience delays in receiving services,” he concluded.