NTT Governor Allows Earthquake Victims to Take Basic Necessities from Shops
The Provincial Government of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) has implemented a ‘Take Now, Pay Later’ policy on Flores Island, which was affected by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 15 August. The policy was adopted to ensure that the basic needs of affected residents are met immediately.
The ‘Take Now, Pay Later’ policy is set out in NTT Governor Circular Number BU.300.2.1/04/BPBD/2026 concerning the fulfilment of food, drink, tent, and blanket needs on the day of the disaster before aid arrives.
“Yes. The circular was issued today. For the emergency response period, the basic needs of the community must be met as quickly as possible without waiting for the usual aid procedures,” said NTT Governor Melkiades Laka Lena when confirmed by detikBali on Wednesday (19/8/2026).
In accordance with the circular, earthquake-affected residents who are unable to meet their own needs may take food, drink, tents, and blankets from shops or kiosks in their respective areas.
Laka Lena said that under the mechanism, neighbourhood heads (RT/RW), hamlet heads, or village heads must first verify which residents genuinely require assistance.
“After verification, residents may take goods as needed for a maximum of two days and are not permitted to pass them on to other parties,” he said.
Meanwhile, shops or kiosks that hand over goods are required to record all items provided to disaster victims.
“The government will then carry out the payment process after verification is conducted in accordance with applicable regulations,” explained the former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).
Laka Lena stressed that all budget usage to support the policy will still be examined by authorised institutions or authorities as well as law enforcement officials.
“The entire process runs transparently, based on evidence, and in accordance with government administrative rules,” he said.
Laka Lena said the ‘Take Now, Pay Later’ policy is an emergency measure to ensure that affected communities do not face difficulties in meeting their most basic needs in the early days following the earthquake.
“Once aid and disaster management are running in a coordinated manner, basic needs fulfilment services will return to being carried out through disaster management mechanisms in accordance with emergency response period rules,” he explained.
The NTT Provincial Government will also collect data on houses, public facilities, and infrastructure damaged by the earthquake. “The assessment will be carried out by the NTT Provincial BPBD together with the BPBD of affected districts as the basis for implementing recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction,” said the Golkar Party politician.
The Governor also urged all village heads, lurah, RT/RW heads, hamlet heads, and village heads in the affected Flores areas to use the policy responsibly.
“This policy is a form of rapid response by the NTT Provincial Government to ensure that affected communities continue to receive assistance amid limited access and field conditions,” he concluded.