Labuan Bajo Bishop Distributes Aid to Earthquake Victims

The Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Mgr. Maksimus Regus, has personally distributed basic food aid to residents affected by the earthquake. Maksimus, together with Caritas of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, distributed aid to families of earthquake victims and groups of people with disabilities in Sok Rutung Parish, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The Vicar General of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, RD Richard Manggu, said the Bishop of Labuan Bajo has given special attention to vulnerable groups also affected by the earthquake disaster. The Bishop of Labuan Bajo, he said, has instructed all parish ranks to give top priority to vulnerable groups.

“Vulnerable groups must never be left to fend for themselves. Those who are economically, physically (disabled), or politically vulnerable and overlooked by official institutions must be prioritised and accompanied, especially during the recovery period through church advocacy,” Richard stressed on Tuesday (25/8/2026).

The Diocese of Labuan Bajo continues to consolidate all humanitarian service capacities following the earthquake that has struck the West Manggarai region since 15 August 2026.

By the eighth day after the disaster, Richard explained, the Diocese of Labuan Bajo through Caritas had completed the distribution of first-phase emergency aid in affected parishes, with the final service points at Nunang Parish and Sokrutung Parish.

“Cumulatively, the diocesan command post team has successfully distributed aid to 2,866 households, or an estimated more than 11,000 people served,” Richard said.

“The main aid distributed consists of foodstuffs (basic necessities) as well as emergency tent needs,” he added.

In response to the limited supply of tarpaulins in Labuan Bajo, Caritas Indonesia has committed to bringing in an additional 1,000 tarpaulins this week to meet the needs of affected residents who are still forced to sleep outside their homes due to aftershocks.

Entering the second phase, which will run for the next seven days, the Diocese of Labuan Bajo is expanding its service coverage to non-food sectors, namely free health services, psychosocial support (trauma healing), and sanitation packages.