Indonesia Ensures Disaster Funding Readiness Amid NTT Earthquake Aftermath

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has reinforced its commitment to disaster response by maintaining a IDR 5 trillion (USD 280.96) “on‑call” fund to address emergencies nationwide, with flexibility to expand allocations as needed.

The announcement comes in the wake of the 7.7‑magnitude earthquake that struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on August 15, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the budget is designed to be responsive. “The disaster fund is always on standby at IDR 5 trillion (USD 280.96). But if it’s not enough, we will add more, depending on the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) requests,” he said in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He stressed that every funding request from BNPB will be processed swiftly under established procedures. “Once an official request comes in, we immediately follow up. For disaster needs, our SOP is designed to be responsive, as long as the request is clear,” he added.

Beyond the Ministry of Finance’s allocation, BNPB itself holds a IDR 500 billion (USD 28.10 Million) reserve to support urgent needs in the field. “BNPB also has funds ready to use, around IDR 500 billion on standby. If that’s not enough, we will add more,” Minister Purbaya noted.

This readiness reflects the government’s determination to ensure financing does not become an obstacle in disaster management. Support will continue to be adjusted to real conditions on the ground, ensuring responses remain swift, measured, and targeted while safeguarding fiscal resilience.

BNPB reported that the earthquake caused significant damage: 54 fatalities, 199 injuries, nearly 10,000 displaced residents, and over 2,400 homes damaged -- more than 1,500 of them severely.

Education facilities, health centers, places of worship, offices, irrigation systems, and roads were also affected, underscoring the scale of recovery required.

By emphasizing financial preparedness alongside operational response, the government aims to reassure communities that disaster relief will be backed by sufficient resources, enabling Indonesia to confront emergencies with resilience and speed. ***