NTT Earthquake Tests Energy Distribution, 11 Fuel Trucks Sent by Sea
The earthquake that struck several areas in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has not only affected communities and infrastructure but also tested the resilience of energy distribution in the affected regions. The severing of the Ruteng–Labuan Bajo land route forced fuel distribution to be immediately rerouted to ensure the community’s energy needs continue to be met.
PT Pertamina (Persero) Chief Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan directly inspected the Labuan Bajo Fuel Terminal in NTT on Tuesday (18/8/2026) to ensure fuel supplies remain secure and energy distribution runs smoothly amid the emergency situation.
One of the swift measures taken by Pertamina was to shift distribution from land to sea routes. Less than two days after the Ruteng–Labuan Bajo access was cut, Pertamina dispatched a ferry carrying 11 fuel tanker trucks to Labuan Bajo.
The move was made to prevent the distribution disruption from developing into a fuel shortage in the earthquake-affected areas.
“Alhamdulillah, it was an extraordinary help, so until now there has been no shortage here,” said Iriawan.
According to Iriawan, the situation demonstrates the importance of an energy distribution system capable of adapting when transport infrastructure is disrupted by disasters. The speed of decision-making on the ground is a key factor in maintaining supply continuity.
He said the visit to Labuan Bajo was also to see firsthand the condition of Pertamina Group workers who continue to carry out their duties in affected areas, including West Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Ruteng.
“I came because I wanted to meet my heroes. These are the heroes, a small number of whom are here, while the rest are in the field,” said Iriawan.
Iriawan said coordination with Pertamina teams in several areas shows that fuel supply conditions are generally still secure. Before inspecting the Labuan Bajo Fuel Terminal, he held a virtual meeting with teams in Reo, Ende, Bima, and Maumere.
From those reports, fuel stocks in most areas are above normal levels, with supply resilience estimated at around 11 days before the next shipment arrives. This provides room for Pertamina to maintain distribution continuity while adjusting delivery patterns to infrastructure conditions on the ground.
The land access from Reo, which had previously been cut off, has also been reopened. The restoration of this access is expected to further smooth fuel distribution to earthquake-affected areas.
However, energy demand in several areas has changed. Iriawan noted that kerosene demand has increased, so Pertamina is coordinating with authorities to anticipate additional quota needs.
The Governor of NTT, he said, had also submitted a request for additional supply several hours before his visit to the Labuan Bajo Fuel Terminal.
In disaster conditions, energy availability plays a strategic role because fuel is needed to support public mobility, operational vehicles, logistics distribution, and emergency response activities. For this reason, Pertamina is ensuring that fuel distribution does not stop even though some infrastructure has suffered damage.
Iriawan identified Reo as one of the areas where Pertamina assets suffered the most severe damage from the earthquake. Despite these conditions, workers continue to carry out their duties to maintain service and energy distribution. “Reo in particular is the area where our assets were most devastated. But, alhamdulillah, the team remains spirited there,” he said.
He also expressed condolences to the people of NTT who were victims of the earthquake, including residents who lost their homes and family members.
The response to the fuel distribution disruption in NTT also highlights the importance of inter-regional solidarity in maintaining energy security. Supplies from Bima were sent by sea to support the needs of Labuan Bajo and Ruteng when land routes were obstructed.
Iriawan appreciated the workers and ship crews who made quick decisions and were able to find alternatives amid the emergency situation.
According to him, this reflects the spirit of One Pertamina, namely cross-regional cooperation to ensure the community’s energy needs remain met while supporting disaster response efforts.
Pertamina has confirmed that monitoring of fuel stocks and distribution in all affected areas will continue. The company has also placed workers on standby 24 hours a day to ensure the energy needs of the NTT community are maintained. “We are ready to work 24 hours to ensure the energy supply for the community is maintained,” said Iriawan.