Two Field Hospitals Open to Support NTT Earthquake Response

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is strengthening healthcare services for communities affected by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Two field hospitals in Ruteng and Ayeramo, Nagekeo, are now operating to provide medical treatment in areas severely affected by the disaster.

Head of the Disaster Response Task Force at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sumarjaya, delivered the update during a press conference on the post-earthquake response in East Nusa Tenggara on August 19, 2026. He said the field hospitals were established to support affected health facilities and provide treatment for patients requiring further medical care.

“There are two field hospitals that we sent, one to Ruteng, because it was quite severe. So, we established a field hospital,” Sumarjaya said. “And today, surgery has already been performed in the tent at the field hospital.”

He added that the second facility in Ayeramo, Nagekeo, had also begun operations and was already conducting surgery. “That facility has also been put into operation, and surgery has already been performed there today,” he said.

According to him, the two field hospitals are also supporting community health centers affected by the earthquake. Patients from damaged health centers can be referred to the field hospitals for further treatment.

The Health Ministry is also coordinating with the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) to identify affected community health centers that are difficult to reach. The effort is aimed at ensuring that medical assistance can reach communities in areas facing access challenges following the earthquake.

Healthcare response efforts also include the mobilization of medical personnel, volunteers, professional organizations and Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs). In addition, the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) has been activated as a coordination center for health assistance, with local health office chiefs overseeing services in affected areas.

The continued operation of the field hospitals is part of the government's broader emergency response following the earthquake. Authorities are working to maintain essential healthcare services and ensure that affected communities can access treatment despite damage to health facilities and difficult transportation conditions.