Losses around Rp2.2 trillion, Baznas urges philanthropy to help NTT

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) is urging all philanthropic institutions to work together to raise funds for the recovery of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), after the region was struck by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake with estimated damage of around Rp2.2 trillion.

The estimate is based on a Damage and Loss Assessment (DALA) study conducted by Baznas RI’s Directorate of Research, Study, and Development, using data up to 18 August 2026.

“The largest damage comes from the housing sector, estimated at Rp1.42 trillion with 19,317 damaged housing units. In addition, damage to public facilities and infrastructure reached Rp275.1 billion,” said Baznas RI Chairman Sodik Mudjahid in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

Meanwhile, Sodik revealed that losses from the disruption of economic activity are estimated at Rp334.1 billion. Baznas also calculated additional costs arising from the disaster at Rp191.7 billion.

He said the scale of the impact means the recovery process requires cooperation from many parties.

The government, philanthropic institutions, the business community, and the public need to move together to ensure the needs of affected residents can be met, especially during the post-disaster recovery period.

“Baznas is not replacing the government’s role. We are here to complement recovery efforts, especially helping communities who are in vulnerable conditions and need support to rise again,” said Sodik.

Sodik explained that one of the key needs in the recovery process is the rebuilding of residents’ homes.

Baznas’s study shows a gap between the cost of replacing homes and the assistance ceiling available under the government scheme.

He said the funding shortfall is estimated to reach between Rp366 billion and Rp593 billion. According to him, this financing gap can serve as an opportunity for philanthropic institutions to contribute to the recovery of affected communities, especially for mustahik.

“East Manggarai Regency is one of the areas that needs special attention. East Manggarai alone accounts for 54 percent of the total losses among mustahik. The region accounts for 38.7 percent of housing damage out of the total eight affected regencies. On the other hand, its share of GRDP (Gross Regional Domestic Product) is only 9.6 percent and its poverty rate reaches 23.5 percent,” he said.

Sodik stressed that, given these conditions, Baznas is positioning zakat, infak, sedekah, and other Religious Social Funds (DSKL) as one source of support to help the recovery process.

He assured that Baznas will continue to open space for cooperation with the government and various parties to ensure the recovery process proceeds according to community needs.

Separately, the Indonesian government affirmed its commitment to accelerating emergency response and recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook the Flores region.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Menko PMK) Pratikno stated that the presence of ministers and agency heads in NTT since the first day of the incident reflects the government’s concern and commitment to supporting affected communities.

“Since the first day of the incident we have been in NTT to inspect the field and discuss accelerating recovery,” said the Coordinating Minister.