NTT Police Chief Distributes 100 Aid Packages to Earthquake Victims in Sikka
NTT Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko has distributed 100 social aid packages to residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. He confirmed that all ranks, together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), are on the ground working hard to assist the community.
The aid handover was centred at the Alok Police Station on Jalan El Tari, Kota Uneng Village, Alok District, Sikka Regency, on Saturday (15/8/2026). The handover was carried out directly by the NTT Police Chief, accompanying the Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, along with the NTT Forkopimda ranks.
Inspector General Rudi Darmoko expressed his deep condolences over the natural disaster that struck the people of Sikka. The aid distributed today represents the initial emergency response measure from the NTT Regional Police to ease the burden on the victims.
“We are here not merely to visit, but to bring initial assistance to help lighten the burden of our brothers and sisters who have been affected. The next phase of aid will be distributed again shortly,” said Inspector General Rudi in his remarks at the Alok Police Station.
A total of 100 beneficiary residents attended the event. The aid was handed over symbolically to 13 community representatives by the Governor of NTT, the NTT Police Chief, and the Forkopimda ranks.
On the same occasion, Governor of NTT Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena affirmed that the regional government continues to coordinate with the central government so that follow-up logistical assistance can be dispatched to Sikka Regency promptly.
The Governor also instructed local TNI, Polri, and BPBD personnel to ensure the availability of food supplies and clean water for the displaced residents.
“Logistical access and food must be the top priority in the current emergency response. We are opening all aid distribution channels, whether through the TNI-Polri, non-governmental organisations, or other elements of society,” Melki stressed.
In addition to distributing aid, the Governor of NTT urged the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information. He asked residents to always monitor official information on earthquake response through the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the regional government.
The social aid handover, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, proceeded safely and smoothly. Following the handover at the Alok Police Station, the Governor of NTT and the NTT Police Chief continued their agenda with inspections at TC Hillers Maumere Regional Hospital and Lorens Say Port, as well as coordinating disaster response via a Zoom meeting at the Sikka Regency BPBD office.