VP Gibran Visits Earthquake Refugees in Sikka

RRI.CO.ID, Maumere – Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited earthquake-affected residents in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Accompanied by officials, the Vice President personally inspected the evacuation post at Gelora Samador Stadium in the regency's capital, Maumere

"The Vice President's presence is a manifestation of the state's presence, as ensuring public safety is the state's responsibility, and meeting the needs of affected residents is a priority," the country's Vice Presidential Secretariat said on its website.

At the post, Vice President Gibran, greeted and spoke directly with residents, inquiring about their condition and urgent needs. He also expressed his deep condolences to all those who lost family members in this disaster.

"I also sincerely apologize if there are still many shortcomings in the field. Public safety is paramount. Therefore, all emergency response measures must prioritize public safety and meeting urgent needs," he said.

Gibran said that he has instructed central and regional government officials to ensure that aid reaches all affected communities. He requested that necessities, including food, clean water, toilets, medicine, health services, and other urgent needs, be properly delivered, including to communities in difficult-to-access areas such as mountainous settlements.

"This is the state's responsibility. I also ask that special attention be given to pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. They must be registered, monitored, and provided with assistance as needed," the Vice President requested.

Gibran also emphasized that the community will not be left to face the impact of the disaster alone. As directed by President Prabowo Subianto, he said the government "will remain present" and ensure that emergency response and post-disaster recovery are carried out quickly, appropriately, and sustainably.

Gibran advised the evacuees not to return to their damaged homes for the time being, given the high risk of aftershocks. He also assured them that affected homes, schools, and various public facilities would be promptly repaired.

"We'll stay here until everything is restored. Today we visited schools, churches, and the hospital. We'll fix everything later," he said.

Besides greeting and engaging in dialogue with the evacuees, Gibran also witnessed several students from Universitas Indonesia (UI) providing psychosocial support through trauma-healing activities for affected children. The students engaged the children in singing and playing guessing games to help create a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.

"Hopefully, all the people of East Nusa Tenggara will be given strength and safety, and the handling and recovery process can proceed as well as possible," he said.