Prabowo Says NTT Earthquake Situation Relatively Safe Only in Three Weeks

President Prabowo Subianto has asked residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to be patient. According to Prabowo, the situation is estimated to become relatively safe only within the next three weeks. “According to our experts, we need approximately, perhaps be patient, a maximum of three more weeks before everything is relatively safe,” Prabowo said in his remarks at Berdikari Danga Field, Nagekeo Regency, NTT, on Wednesday (26/8/2026).

Prabowo said that once the situation is relatively safe, the government will immediately build temporary housing, repair residents’ homes, and carry out other measures. He asked the displaced residents to entrust the process to the government. Prabowo stressed that the government will continue to be present to assist those affected. “So trust us, the government will not leave you alone. We are present and will continue to help you,” Prabowo asserted before thousands of evacuees.

Prabowo also assured that the government will develop NTT and all of Indonesia. Development will be carried out from the district, sub-district, to village levels. “We will build all of NTT, all of Indonesia we will build. District by district, sub-district by sub-district, village by village, our people must live well,” Prabowo said, greeted by resounding applause and expressions of ‘amen’ from the evacuees.

During a coordination meeting with Prabowo, NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena expressed appreciation for the central government’s assistance. He said each district on Flores Island received Rp20 billion in aid, while the NTT provincial government received Rp40 billion. “Thank you, Mr President. In accordance with the President’s direction, we have received assistance. All districts on Flores Island received 20 billion, and the province 40 billion, which greatly helps us to mobilise more optimally to assist evacuees,” Laka Lena explained.

Laka Lena also outlined a strategy for meeting basic needs by mobilising community shops and kiosks to provide food, drinks, blankets, and mattresses. Payment will be made by the government.

Meanwhile, Nagekeo Regent Simplisius Donatus reported that the 7.7 magnitude earthquake caused 13 deaths, 13 serious injuries, and 118 minor injuries. Two hospitals in Nagekeo were damaged and unable to provide optimal services. A number of community health centres were also affected, so services are temporarily being provided outside buildings using tents. “Nagekeo Regency also experienced communication disruptions for two days after the earthquake, which hampered coordination,” he said.