Purbaya Prepares Rp5 Trillion to Handle NTT Earthquake
The Ministry of Finance will prepare a budget for handling the earthquake disaster in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through funds available at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the ministry is ready to assist with financing needs in the affected region, but initial response will draw on funds already prepared at BNPB. Purbaya stated that the budget allocation at BNPB is around Rp5 trillion. Even if those funds have been partially used, the government has assured that the needs for handling the disaster’s impact will be met, noting that special reserves are available for emergency response.
The Indonesian government has begun implementing policies to handle the impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday, 15 August 2026. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said the handling priorities begin with evacuating victims, distributing aid, reopening severed access routes, and restoring connectivity and basic public services. Several central government officials have been dispatched directly to Labuan Bajo and Maumere to ensure on-the-ground response runs optimally. Tens of thousands of basic food packages from the Presidential Assistance programme have been dispatched to meet the needs of affected communities, while relevant ministries and agencies continue to carry out their respective duties and authorities.
From the infrastructure sector, Minister AHY has asked the Ministry of Public Works to deploy the necessary resources to reopen severed access routes and restore connectivity and basic public services as quickly as possible. He stressed that connectivity is the priority because without access, aid will not reach those in need. The Ministry of Public Works, through the NTT National Road Implementation Agency, is currently handling 12 landslide points: three on the Ruteng-KM 210 section, one at KM 210-Manggarai Regency border, and eight on the Aegela-Ende City border section. Heavy equipment including loaders and excavators has been deployed to clear landslide debris and keep road access functional, with operations conducted while maintaining worker safety given the potential for aftershocks.