Social Affairs Ministry Distributes Aid to Social Conflict Victims in East Flores

The Ministry of Social Affairs has delivered emergency logistical aid to meet the basic needs of communities affected by a social conflict in East Adonara District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, in a statement issued in Jakarta on Monday, expressed his deep condolences to all the victims’ families and confirmed that aid was being sent from the Effata Central Warehouse in Kupang to the affected area on Monday (20 July).

“The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to coordinate with regional governments and all relevant parties so that the handling of affected residents proceeds quickly, precisely, and in accordance with needs on the ground,” he said.

Saifullah explained that the social conflict involving residents of Narasoina Village and Bele Hamlet, Waiburak Village, broke out on Saturday (18 July), resulting in three deaths and five injuries.

Beyond the loss of life, the clash also caused material damage, including 20 residential homes, one business premises and one two-wheeled vehicle, all burned or damaged.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Social Affairs fully supported the swift steps taken by the East Flores Regency Government together with the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), who were deployed directly to the location to halt the conflict through a persuasive approach.

The emergency logistical aid provided by the Ministry includes 200 ready-to-eat food packages, 100 children’s food packages, 200 ready-to-eat side dish packages, 50 mattresses, 50 blankets and one multipurpose tent.

The Ministry has also dispatched 50 packages each of children’s equipment, family equipment and adult clothing packages to ensure decent living conditions for displaced residents during the security recovery period.

The East Flores Regency Government is currently processing the Emergency Response Declaration (SKTD), whilst the local Social Affairs Office is conducting verification and validation of victim data as the official basis for submitting bereavement compensation claims to the Ministry.

Saifullah urged all parties to exercise restraint, prioritise a peaceful resolution and entrust law enforcement entirely to the competent authorities so that the situation in East Adonara can recover quickly.