Earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara Draws Worldwide Support

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Friendly nations have conveyed messages of support to Indonesia following the 7.7‑magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The messages were delivered through their respective embassies in Jakarta.

The United Arab Emirates expressed its support through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ X account. In its statement, the UAE government conveyed sympathy over the fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage caused by the earthquake.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families, as well as to the Republic of Indonesia and its people, regarding this tragedy. The United Arab Emirates also prays for the speedy recovery of all those injured,” the statement posted on Saturday read.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also conveyed a message of support through its embassy in Jakarta. In a post on the embassy’s X account, the Saudi government prayed that Indonesia and its citizens would be spared from disasters.

“The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta conveys its deep condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as to the families affected by the earthquake on Flores Island. We pray to Allah Swt. to protect Indonesia and its people from disasters, heal the injured, have mercy on the deceased, and keep everyone safe. May Allah SWT always grant Indonesia and its people safety and security,” the embassy stated.

The Malaysian government also expressed condolences following the earthquake in NTT. The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta conveyed sympathies and hoped the Indonesian government’s post‑earthquake response would proceed smoothly.

The United States Embassy and Consulate in Jakarta likewise expressed condolences to those affected by the earthquake.

“The United States Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia extend their deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones due to the devastating earthquake and its impact in East Nusa Tenggara,” according to a statement posted on X on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

In addition to offering condolences to the families of the deceased, the US Embassy also conveyed prayers and sympathies to the injured and to communities affected by the disaster.

According to preliminary reports received by the Ministry of Social Affairs, the earthquake affected several areas, particularly the regencies of Nagekeo, Sikka, Manggarai, West Manggarai, and Ende.

Approximately 2,000 people were affected, while the number of displaced residents is still being assessed.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) released preliminary data as of Saturday at 18:48 WIB, reporting that the total death toll had reached 47 people. ***