Panic as aftershocks mark Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony in NTT

The 81st Independence Day ceremony in Lamba Leda Timur District, East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), took place in a tense atmosphere. An aftershock shook the ceremony site moments before the Proclamation commemoration began on Monday morning (17/8/2026).

The earthquake occurred while participants and officials were preparing for the ceremony. Participants panicked due to the tremor, and the ceremony started late.

Despite this, the ceremony continued. Attendance was also limited due to the ongoing earthquake disaster in the Flores region.

“Before the ceremony began, there was panic because of an aftershock, but with the strong spirit of the participants, the ceremony continued solemnly,” said Lamba Leda Timur District Head Rikardus Ronaldo Yasman.

Rikardus said the ceremony had actually been planned beforehand. However, the format was adjusted to the conditions after the earthquake struck the region.

The ceremony was held simply. Schoolchildren were not involved, and entertainment attractions and other events after the ceremony were cancelled.

“In accordance with the district government’s instructions, the ceremony was held as simply as possible, without involving schoolchildren, without attractions or other events, but still conducted solemnly and briefly,” Rikardus explained.

“Because of the disaster, we held it simply. Those attending were civil servants from the district office, teachers and village heads around the district office,” he added.

1,624 aftershocks in Flores

The tense situation occurred amid ongoing aftershocks in Flores, NTT. As of Monday (17/8) afternoon, 1,624 aftershocks had been recorded in the region, with the largest magnitude reaching M 6.2.

Several aftershocks also occurred while the Proclamation commemoration ceremony was taking place.

In Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, residents felt strong shaking when an aftershock occurred at around 08.48 Wita. Residents were seen rushing out of their homes.

“Earthquake, earthquake,” they shouted.

Aftershocks continued to occur several times afterwards. Labuan Bajo residents hope the series of earthquakes will end soon.

They said they remain haunted by fear after the first earthquake, measuring M 7.7, struck Flores on 15 August.

“We are afraid, every day there are still aftershocks,” said Maria.