Repairing NTT Earthquake Damage, Government Focuses on Restoring Logistics Access

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Indonesian government has begun implementing policies to handle the impact of the M 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday (15/8/2026).

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) said the handling priorities begin with evacuating victims, distributing aid, reopening severed access routes, and restoring connectivity and basic public services.

He said a number of central government officials have also been assigned to travel directly to Labuan Bajo and Maumere to ensure on-the-ground handling runs optimally.

Tens of thousands of basic food packages from the Presidential Assistance (Banpres) programme have been dispatched to meet the needs of affected communities. Meanwhile, relevant ministries and agencies continue to carry out handling according to their respective duties and authorities.

“The most important thing is to ensure affected communities receive the assistance, aid, and services they need. Access to affected areas must also be secured immediately so that the emergency response process is not hampered,” AHY said via press release on Sunday (16/8/2026).

From the infrastructure sector, Coordinating Minister AHY has asked the Ministry of Public Works (PU) to deploy the necessary resources to reopen severed access routes and restore connectivity and basic public services as quickly as possible.

“Connectivity is the priority, because without access, aid will not arrive. Therefore, affected roads must be handled immediately so that the mobility of personnel, logistical assistance, and the public can continue,” AHY said.

The Ministry of Public Works, through the NTT National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), is currently handling 12 landslide points. Three points are on the Ruteng-KM 210 section, one point on the KM 210-Manggarai Regency border section, and eight other points on the Aegela-Ende City border section.

A number of heavy equipment, including loaders and excavators, have been deployed to clear landslide material and keep road access functional. The work is being carried out with attention to personnel safety given the continued potential for aftershocks.

Restoring basic services, especially water availability for communities, is also a priority. The Ministry of Public Works continues to inspect water resources infrastructure in affected areas.

Based on initial inspections, the Napungete, Waerita, and Mbay dams are visually in good condition, while more detailed technical inspections are still ongoing. At the Wae Laku weir and irrigation network in East Manggarai, minor damage to the weir was found, along with landslides covering secondary channels.

BBWS Nusa Tenggara II has also placed various supporting equipment on standby, including drilling rigs and truck cranes, to accelerate handling if needed in the field.

The government is also paying attention to the Waemese SPAM in Labuan Bajo so that drinking water services for the community can be restored promptly. Handling of the Wae Laku irrigation area in East Manggarai is also continuing to maintain water resources services for the community.

“Our priority from the infrastructure side is to ensure that damage and severed access do not worsen the community’s condition or hamper emergency response. Affected connectivity and basic services must be restored as quickly as possible,” Coordinating Minister AHY stressed.

In addition to direct on-the-ground handling, the government continues to inspect and verify damage to roads, bridges, water resources infrastructure, drinking water supply systems, residents’ homes, and other public facilities. This assessment serves as the basis for determining handling needs in the next phase.

The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development continues to consolidate the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Transportation, BNPB, regional governments, BPBD, and other relevant elements so that the government’s response runs quickly, in an integrated manner, and without overlap.

“The government continues to coordinate and is present to ensure the rapid emergency disaster response process, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes, infrastructure, and public facilities, can run effectively, quickly, and appropriately,” AHY said.

Coordinating Minister AHY stressed that handling will not stop after the emergency response phase. Once the emergency situation is addressed, the government will continue with rehabilitation and reconstruction based on the results of damage assessments and community needs in the field.

According to AHY, recovery must be carried out quickly, precisely, safely, and more resiliently. Damaged infrastructure not only needs to have its function restored, but must also be rebuilt with attention to resilience against future disaster risks.

“After the emergency phase, we must ensure rehabilitation and reconstruction are completed thoroughly. Rebuilt infrastructure must be stronger and more earthquake-resistant so that communities are better protected,” he said.

AHY specifically expressed appreciation for all elements that have worked in the field, from the TNI, Polri, BPBD, volunteers, regional governments, to the technical ranks of relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Public Works, who continue to work in handling the disaster’s impact.

“To all personnel in the field, the TNI, Polri, BPBD, volunteers, and the technical ranks of ministries, I express my highest appreciation. Continue to work quickly, carefully, and with full empathy,” AHY said.

Amid these handling efforts, Coordinating Minister AHY expressed deep condolences to all communities who lost family members or suffered injuries and losses due to the earthquake in NTT.

“On behalf of myself and the government, I express my deepest condolences for the loss of life, injuries, and damage caused by the earthquake that occurred in East Nusa Tenggara,” AHY said.

AHY said the government will continue to be present with the people of NTT throughout the emergency response period until the recovery process. He also invited all Indonesians to strengthen solidarity and provide support to affected communities.

“Our prayers are with all affected communities in NTT. May every family be given strength and fortitude in facing this disaster. We will get through this together. The government will continue to be present until the condition of the community and affected areas gradually recovers,” Coordinating Minister AHY concluded.