NTT earthquake: Transport minister prioritises operational safety
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is prioritising the safety and smooth operation of transport services following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), ordering thorough inspections of affected ports, terminals and airports.
“We have instructed all relevant work units to conduct comprehensive inspections of affected transport facilities, including ports, terminals and airports,” the minister said in Jakarta on Saturday.
He said the inspections were being carried out to ensure all facilities and infrastructure remain in safe condition following the earthquake.
The minister also expressed his condolences and deep concern over the earthquake that struck NTT on Saturday morning local time.
He stressed that the safety and smooth operation of affected transport services remain the top priority.
“We share our condolences and concern over the earthquake that occurred in the NTT region. The safety of passengers and all personnel must remain the top priority,” the minister said.
Dudy said that, based on information received, the earthquake in NTT affected a number of transport facilities and infrastructure in the region. Those affected include Laurentius Say Port, Reo Port, Nangakeo Port and Komodo Airport.
The earthquake caused the collapse of part of the pier and the waiting room building at Laurentius Say Port. At the time of the incident, KM Bukit Siguntang was docked at the port. At Reo Port, there was damage to the office and terminal, but no casualties were reported.
The earthquake also caused minor damage to a number of facilities at Nangakeo Port, ranging from collapsed ceilings to cracked walls. As a result, pioneer shipping services were temporarily suspended.
At Komodo Airport, there was damage to the PKP-PK building, the landside terminal, the administration building, as well as minor damage to airside facilities (Taxiway A fillet). No casualties were found and the airport continues to operate normally with restrictions.
The minister instructed the Ministry of Transportation’s Technical Implementation Units in the NTT region and surrounding areas to continue coordinating with all relevant stakeholders, such as BMKG, Basarnas, the TNI/Polri, local governments and transport operators, to monitor the situation on the ground following the earthquake.
He asked all personnel to focus on the passenger rescue process and to remain vigilant.
“Although the tsunami early warning has been lifted, I ask all parties to continue prioritising safety in mobility, especially in affected areas,” he said.
He also urged the public to remain calm, to always update official weather information from BMKG, and to follow the instructions of officers in the field.
Dudy stressed that his ministry continues to monitor the condition of transport facilities and infrastructure in affected areas and to ensure transport services can resume optimally while prioritising safety.
He also asked the public not to be easily influenced by unverified information. The Ministry of Transportation will also provide regular updates if there is information related to facilities and infrastructure affected by the earthquake.
“The Ministry of Transportation is committed to continuing to provide the latest information to the public and to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety, security and smooth operation of transport in the NTT region and its surroundings. I hope that public activities can return to normal as before,” the minister said.