House member praises swift response to NTT earthquake
House of Representatives Commission VIII member Selly Andriany Gantina has praised the swift action of the central and regional governments, ministries and agencies, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), and all elements involved in handling the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
She assessed that through swift action, evacuation could be maximised, including conveying information to residents who are still traumatised or fearful.
“I also ask that data collection on victims and affected communities be carried out quickly, accurately and thoroughly, together with meeting needs in evacuation shelters,” Selly said in a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
Selly expressed deep condolences for those affected, including the 38 people reported dead.
Nevertheless, she also urged that humanitarian measures be taken immediately by sweeping affected locations, examining rubble, and searching for any additional victims.
She also expressed hope that logistical assistance such as food, clean water, medicines, health services, medical personnel, and the needs of schoolchildren must be available from the outset.
According to her, children must not lose their sense of safety and the opportunity to learn just because they are victims of a disaster.
Likewise, she said, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups must receive special attention.
The government, she said, through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the Indonesian Military (TNI), must immediately conduct sweeps of affected areas.
“Make efforts to open routes so that aid and logistics access can get through,” she said.
She said that with the spirit of mutual cooperation shown by all parties, maximum handling could be achieved.
She stressed that the most important thing is that no community in remote places or areas with cut-off access should feel abandoned.
In addition, Selly also encouraged the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB) programme to strengthen psychosocial support and community assistance in affected areas, including those with cut-off access.
Disaster handling, according to her, is not enough with just evacuation and meeting basic needs, but must also ensure the mental recovery of the community.
She said the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) must also ensure that women and children receive special protection, including trauma healing, psychological assistance, and safe spaces in evacuation shelters.
“Do not let the disaster cause prolonged trauma or new vulnerabilities to violence,” said the member of the House commission whose remit includes social affairs, women’s empowerment and child protection, and disaster management.
On the other hand, she asked BNPB to collect data while focusing evacuation efforts on tourists in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), particularly those in Labuan Bajo and its surroundings.
Selly stressed that human safety must be the priority while opening routes for logistics needs and distribution.
Previously, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that an additional 25 tonnes of government aid arrived in a number of areas affected by the earthquake disaster in NTT on the second day of disaster handling, Sunday (16/8).
Thus, since the first day of disaster handling was carried out, namely on the same day the 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook a number of areas in NTT, Saturday (15/8), the total aid distributed amounted to 52 tonnes of logistics, consisting of ready-to-eat food, drinking water, basic necessities, medicines and health equipment, tents, clean water, and other needs for evacuees.
“On the second day, logistical aid continues to be brought in for our brothers and sisters in NTT. The government continues to move to ensure the needs of affected communities are met and aid arrives at the locations,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy when contacted in Jakarta in the early hours of Monday.