Universities mobilise to assist victims of NTT earthquake
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has reported that several universities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have taken part in handling the impact of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Flores, NTT.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday that a number of university command posts were active, namely Universitas Nusa Nipa, Universitas Muhammadiyah Maumere, STIPER Bajawa, and Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana).
“Student volunteers in unaffected areas have also taken part in distributing aid to the community,” he said.
Minister Brian said Universitas Mataram had dispatched an emergency response team together with the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Government, consisting of medical personnel, clinical psychologists, and support staff, accompanied by medicines and basic necessities.
Meanwhile, medical teams from Klinik Mu Ende and Klinik Universitas Muhammadiyah Kupang have been in Mbay to provide services to affected communities.
Furthermore, the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Peduli NTT team together with Rumah Amal Salman have also arrived in Labuan Bajo and are coordinating with the West Manggarai Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to continue their journey to Ruteng. The team is targeting the distribution of aid to the earthquake-affected Reok area.
“Kemdiktisaintek appreciates the response of universities that have moved not only to ensure the safety of the academic community, but also to take part in helping communities in affected areas,” said Brian.
Under certain conditions, he continued, a number of access routes to affected areas remain difficult to reach, so coordination and aid distribution are carried out taking into account field conditions.
In addition to the emergency response, attention has also been given to students undertaking academic activities in affected areas. A total of 61 students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta’s Community Service Programme (KKN) in West Manggarai and East Manggarai Regencies were reported safe and have been evacuated together with residents to safer areas. Attention has also been given to students participating in the 2026 GENTASKIN Thematic KKN.
“Our current priority is to ensure the safety of the entire academic community and to ensure that handling proceeds quickly and in a coordinated manner,” said Minister Brian.
The Indonesian government has affirmed its commitment to accelerating emergency handling and post-earthquake recovery following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook the Flores region. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno stated that the presence of ministers and agency leaders in NTT since the first day of the incident reflects the government’s concern and commitment to assisting affected communities.
“Since the first day of the incident we have been in NTT to inspect the field and discuss accelerating recovery,” said the Coordinating Minister.