Man Apologises After Viral Video Shows Earthquake Victims Trampling Aid

Earthquake victims at the Nanga Lok Post, Golo Lijun Village, Elar District, East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), were seen trampling food aid provided by the local government. The incident was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media, showing instant noodles scattered and crushed on the ground.

A person believed to be the videographer stated that the aid provided consisted of only three packs of instant noodles and one pack of biscuits. “This is the aid provided by the Local Government today: 3 packs of noodles and 1 pack of Malkist biscuits. This is the form of aid; the others have already been destroyed,” the man in the video said.

It is known that earthquake victims in NTT have only received aid from the East Manggarai Regency twice since the earthquake struck on 15 August. In a subsequent video, the individual described the local government’s assistance as “shameful,” showing the noodles being trampled.

Meanwhile, the Acting District Head of Elar, Timotius G.R. Madung, acknowledged that some earthquake victims were dissatisfied with the government assistance. “Regarding that video, it took place at the Nanga Lok Post during the distribution of aid from the Local Government through the Village to the RT level. Some members of the community were dissatisfied with the aid,” Timoteus stated, quoting detikcom on Thursday (10/9).

Timotius admitted that the amount of aid provided was indeed small, but he emphasised that aid would continue to be distributed in stages to those affected. “Because the aid is intended for all affected residents, it does not mean the aid ends there; efforts are being made to ensure other aid arrives in stages,” he added.

Furthermore, Timotius expressed hope that residents would not trample the aid out of frustration or disappointment, noting that the supplies are donated by various parties through the government and that many others are still in desperate need. He explained that the delay in distribution to Golo Lijun Village was due to the remote location and a lack of telephone network to coordinate with local village officials.

The individual identified as the person trampling the aid is Saimin Sadang Syawal. He has since issued an apology to the public and specifically to the East Manggarai Local Government. “I, Saimin Sadang Syawal, wish to apologise to the public, and specifically to the East Manggarai Local Government, regarding what happened a few minutes ago,” Saimin said.

He added that he acted out of a moment of lapse in judgement, driven by deep disappointment regarding the insufficient amount of aid reaching Nanga Lok village. “It was a lapse in judgement. The statements I made unconsciously were a form of our disappointment as a community following the earthquake, as the aid provided does not meet our needs,” Saimin explained.

Saimin stated he would retract his previous statements made via WhatsApp and Facebook. He reaffirmed his sincere apologies on behalf of himself and the community for his actions.

On the other hand, the Head of Golo Lijun Village, Yovita Mbaju, stated that Saimin’s actions would be processed further by the relevant police authorities. “Yesterday, the Police Chief and officers met with the individual involved in the viral video. However, I do not know the further legal process,” Yovita revealed.