Puan Urges Government to Immediately Record Victims and Damage from NTT Earthquake

House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed her concern over the earthquake disaster that struck Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). She urged the central and regional governments to move quickly to distribute aid and prioritise the handling of affected residents.

“The DPR leadership expresses its concern over the major earthquake disaster in NTT. The government must move quickly to handle the impact of the earthquake and respond swiftly to the needs of affected residents,” Puan said in a written statement on Sunday (16/8/2026).

The earthquake, caused by activity along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust in NTT, triggered damage in Maumere, Ngada, and Manggarai. Tremors were even felt as far as West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi, and briefly triggered a potential tsunami of 0.5 metres before the early warning was lifted.

Puan encouraged the NTT Provincial Government to accelerate the process of recording victims and the extent of damage, particularly in inland areas, so that emergency logistics allocation can be distributed evenly. She also stressed the importance of providing adequate evacuation facilities and prioritising vulnerable groups.

“If there are residents who are displaced, ensure that the evacuation sites are comfortable and safe. Evacuation sites must be friendly to the elderly, children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, people with disabilities, and those with pre-existing medical conditions,” said the PDI Perjuangan politician.

In addition to local communities, Puan urged the government to provide logistical assistance and emergency accommodation for domestic and foreign tourists affected in Labuan Bajo due to damage to a number of hotels and resorts.

Given the high-risk track record of the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, Puan also asked BMKG and related agencies to actively convey accurate information to counter hoaxes related to aftershocks.

“The government, through the authorised agencies, must provide accurate information to the public and provide education to prevent public anxiety,” Puan concluded.