Weekly roundup: NTT earthquake response, forest fires, and NU congress

A number of humanitarian news stories from the week of 24–29 August 2026 remain worth reading today, ranging from the handling of earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), government efforts to tackle forest and land fires (karhutla) in various regions, to updates on the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) facilitated the fifth phase of repatriation for 725 residents, or 169 households, who were earthquake survivors sheltering in evacuation, enabling them to return to their respective homes in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

The East Kalimantan Forestry Office, together with relevant parties including the firefighting service, disaster mitigation agency, and community elements, has handled forest and land fires covering 572.83 hectares during the period from 1 to 25 August 2026.

The Ministry of Health said it is strengthening logistical assistance, including masks and oxygen concentrators, to respond to the impact of forest and land fires on 5.4 million people in seven provinces.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar affirmed that he is not taking part in the contest for the chairmanship of the NU Executive Board (PBNU) at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Congress and will concentrate on carrying out his duties at the helm of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The Coordination and Acceleration Team for Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), together with the Nutrition Service Fulfilment Unit (SPPG) kitchen under the auspices of the NU Executive Board (PBNU), distributed more than 12,000 free meal portions during the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java.