PU accelerates data collection on public service buildings affected by earthquake in NTT

The Ministry of Public Works is accelerating the data collection and inspection of public service buildings affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

This activity follows the directive of Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo to ensure that buildings affected by the earthquake remain safe for use while also identifying the need for handling or repairs.

“What is important now is how we can immediately serve the needs of the community,” said Dody in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Data collection and inspection are prioritised for buildings that form part of basic public services, such as hospitals, government offices, public facilities, and places of worship.

The Ministry of Public Works, through the NTT Building, Infrastructure, and Area Planning Centre (BPBPK), has added personnel deployed to the field to accelerate inspections.

A total of 11 personnel are scheduled to depart from Kupang to Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, on Wednesday (19/8/2026) to reinforce the three personnel currently in the field. This brings the total to 14 personnel who will carry out inspections of affected buildings.

The inspections are conducted to provide certainty to the public and building users regarding the safety of facilities that remain needed during the emergency response period. The inspection results will subsequently serve as the basis for identifying the need for building handling or repairs.

In addition to building inspections, the Ministry of Public Works has over the past two days also been checking drinking water facilities and infrastructure in several affected areas, including Nagekeo, Ende, and Sikka. The inspections cover Water Treatment Plants (IPA), piping networks, water distribution facilities, and water storage available in communities.

In its implementation, BPBPK NTT has engaged Field Facilitator Workers (TFL) from the Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Provision Programme (Pamsimas) to assist with data collection on drinking water facilities in the field. The team is not only carrying out an inventory but also directly handling facilities that have experienced disruptions.

An additional 10 personnel will also be dispatched from Kupang to support the inspection and handling of drinking water facilities in Maumere, Ende, and Nagekeo on Wednesday (19/8/2026). The team will check drinking water facilities while also identifying the need for further support in affected locations.