Indonesia Accelerates Emergency Response in Quake‑Hit NTT

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government is stepping up its response to the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), said President Prabowo Subianto has instructed all government agencies to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner.

“The top priority is to ensure that affected communities receive the assistance, aid, and services they need. Access to the affected areas must also be secured immediately so that emergency response efforts are not hindered,” Minister AHY said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, August 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that several senior officials have been deployed directly to Labuan Bajo and Maumere to ensure that on‑the‑ground response efforts proceed optimally.

The government is prioritizing victim evacuation, aid distribution, reopening access routes, and restoring connectivity and basic public services.

Tens of thousands of food packages under the Presidential Aid (Banpres) program have been dispatched to meet urgent needs. Relevant ministries and agencies are also implementing response measures under their respective mandates.

The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development is consolidating the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Transportation, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), local administrations, Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD), and other relevant entities to ensure that the government’s response is swift, integrated, and free from overlap.

“The government continues to coordinate and remain present to ensure that emergency response efforts, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes, infrastructure, and public facilities, can proceed effectively, swiftly, and appropriately,” Minister AHY said.

He also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and to residents who suffered injuries and losses due to the earthquake. The government, he added, will continue to support the people of NTT throughout the emergency response phase and into recovery.

“On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life, injuries, and damage caused by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara,” Minister AHY said.

He called on Indonesians to strengthen solidarity and support for affected communities. “Our prayers go out to all the people of NTT who have been affected. May every family be given strength and resilience as they face this disaster. We will get through this together. The government will remain present until conditions in affected areas gradually recover,” he said. ***