TGB reveals historical ties between NTB and NTT in the unity of Sunda Kecil
Former two-term West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Muhammad Zainul Majdi has highlighted the historical bond between NTB and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which were once part of a single Lesser Sunda administrative region.
“Before 1958, we and NTT were one Lesser Sunda unity. So NTB and NTT are indeed siblings,” he said in response to the tectonic earthquake that struck NTT, speaking after the Independence Day ceremony at the NTB Governor’s Office in Mataram on Monday.
TGB said this shared history is one of the strong reasons why the people of NTB feel the sorrow of the NTT community, which is facing the impact of the earthquake on 15 August 2026.
According to him, this historical closeness shows that the relationship between the people of NTB and NTT is not only geographical but also reflects a long-standing bond of brotherhood.
“That is why we feel what they feel,” said TGB, who served as NTB Governor from 2008 to 2018.
He further expressed appreciation for the concern shown by the NTB provincial government, which has sent aid to communities affected by the earthquake disaster in East Nusa Tenggara.
TGB reminded the people of NTB to remain vigilant and cautious about the potential for natural disasters, and urged the public to pray that a similar earthquake does not strike other regions.
“We pray that an earthquake like that will not befall other areas. So we remain vigilant,” he concluded.
On 16 August 2026, the NTB government dispatched logistical aid and a humanitarian team to East Nusa Tenggara. The assistance was distributed through several posts, particularly in the Labuan Bajo and Ende areas.
The aid was also focused on the areas that suffered the most severe damage, such as the Manggarai region.
The experience of the 2018 Lombok earthquake has given the NTB government insight into what needs to be done, from handling damaged settlements to treating communities for trauma, especially children.
The distribution of casualties was identified as 25 people in Manggarai Regency, 20 in East Manggarai, 4 in Sikka, 1 in West Manggarai, 1 in Nagekeo and 2 in Ende.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded a total of 137 injured people. They are receiving treatment at nearby health facilities as well as emergency health facilities.
As of Monday afternoon (17/8), the Kupang Geophysics Station had recorded 1,621 aftershocks, with the largest reaching 6.2 magnitude, in East Nusa Tenggara.