Stopped by Mothers in Nagekeo, Home Affairs Minister Listens to Earthquake Grievances

A group of mothers and residents stopped the convoy of Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian as it passed through Kajulaki Village on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The women immediately surrounded the vehicle carrying Tito while voicing their grievances about the earthquake.

“Sir, this is what all the houses here look like,” said one resident in a written statement on Tuesday (18/8/2026).

“This is the state of the water we drink,” another resident chimed in.

Seeing this, Tito listened to the residents’ complaints one by one, ranging from a shortage of clean water to logistical needs. He assured them that he would relay their concerns to the relevant ministries and agencies.

“Yes, Ma’am, I apologise. I will also tell the regent to have every household in this village recorded as soon as possible — who owns each house and whether the damage is light, moderate or severe,” said Tito.

Tito confirmed that the government is preparing assistance for residents affected by the earthquake. Through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), there is a home repair cost stimulus ranging from Rp15 million to Rp70 million.

“Because those with light damage will be assisted by BNPB, the government. They will be informed later,” he said.

Tito also asked residents whether the electricity supply to their homes was still out or had been restored. He said he was ready to pass on residents’ complaints to the president director of the state electricity company PLN if the power was still out.

“The electricity is back on, Sir,” the residents replied.

After exchanging greetings with the residents, the Home Affairs Minister then sought out the local neighbourhood unit (RT) chief and entrusted Rp50 million in assistance to be distributed among the residents.

“Stay strong, Ma’am. Who is this? The RT chief, right? I am leaving this Rp50 million here. Please distribute it,” Tito concluded.