Khofifah provides support for East Manggarai earthquake evacuees

Surabaya (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa provided support to residents affected by the earthquake who have evacuated to Benteng Jawa, East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“Mothers must be strong, and keep their children’s spirits up. Hopefully the children will be successful, and their grandchildren too, bringing happiness to their families, region, nation and state,” she said in a statement received in Surabaya on Tuesday.

Governor Khofifah’s visit to the location was not merely to bring aid but also to greet residents, observe the evacuation conditions, and spend time with children and mothers to listen directly to their situation.

Upon seeing children playing snakes and ladders, she spontaneously joined in and invited them to play together.

“Come on, who can play snakes and ladders? Come here, let’s play together,” she said.

While playing, she asked about the children’s activities and needs during their stay at the evacuation site, including school supplies required when teaching and learning activities return to normal.

“When it is time to go back to school, the children may need bags and shoes. Please let me know. We will send bags and shoes for the schoolchildren here,” she said.

Khofifah assessed that children must still have space to play, learn and dream even while temporarily living in evacuation shelters. Support, she said, needs to be directed towards helping them return to their routines.

After playing, she spoke with elderly residents and mothers in the evacuation tents. A resident recounted how her house was damaged by the earthquake, leaving her family without adequate housing.

She also assured that the government would continue to provide support according to the needs of earthquake victims.

“Those who are ill will hopefully recover soon. Mothers can rise again quickly, healthy, strong and spirited,” she said.

She also followed up on residents’ need for food. The East Java Provincial Government has prepared an additional five tonnes of rice to be sent on 26 August 2026.

“The sub-district head earlier mentioned there is a need for additional rice. On the 26th there will be a ship coming here, so East Java will, God willing, add another five tonnes of rice,” she said.

Previously, the East Java Provincial Government had distributed humanitarian aid and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions totalling 52.9 tonnes worth Rp2,285,687,700. The aid included food, medicines, hygiene supplies, baby and child necessities, tents, tarpaulins and stoves.

The East Java Provincial Government also sent seven doctors from Dr Soetomo Regional General Hospital (RSUD) to Ruteng Regional General Hospital since 17 August 2026 and added more doctors and nurses on 22 August 2026.

In addition, four psychosocial support service workers (LDP) have been prepared to accompany the children.

Before leaving the evacuation site, Governor Khofifah advised residents to remain strong and not lose hope.

“Above all, stay healthy, strong and spirited. Hopefully everyone recovers quickly. Remember that we are all brothers and sisters, you are not alone,” she said.

East Manggarai Regent Agas Andreas expressed appreciation for the attention shown by Governor Khofifah and the East Java Provincial Government to the earthquake-affected community, particularly residents in Benteng Jawa.

“Thank you to the Governor. The attention you have given is very meaningful to us, especially the people of Benteng Jawa who are facing this disaster. Your arrival, seeing the condition of residents firsthand and speaking with them, certainly provides strength and encouragement for our community,” he said.