President Prabowo Visits Nagekeo to Review Quake Relief Efforts

RRI.CO.ID, Nagekeo - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally inspected response efforts for victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Upon arriving in Nagekeo, the President presided over a coordination meeting at the NTT Natural Disaster Response Post, managed by the Udayana IX Regional Military Command, to ensure emergency operations and aid distribution to affected residents were proceeding smoothly.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the President’s visit also aimed to ensure effective coordination among all relevant institutions.

After the emergency response phase, the government will move forward with recovery efforts by rehabilitating affected facilities and services, followed by gradual infrastructure reconstruction and the restoration of community life.

“The government will ensure that the recovery process proceeds in stages, not only through the rehabilitation of affected facilities and services but also through reconstruction to rebuild infrastructure and community life in a better and more sustainable manner,” Minister Prasetyo Hadi said, as quoted by Antara.

The Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, reported on the developing situation, casualty figures, affected areas, and aid distribution to displaced persons.

As of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, BNPB recorded 103 fatalities and 1,666 injuries. Victims were spread across Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo, Sikka, Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai. Casualty data continues to be updated as reports come in from the affected regions.

East Manggarai recorded the highest number of injuries, with 239 people suffering severe injuries and 404 sustaining minor injuries. The government continues to mobilize central and regional agencies, the military, the National Police, and relevant institutions to accelerate the response and meet the needs of displaced persons.

During the meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Chief Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena, and several regional heads.

After the meeting, President Prabowo visited an evacuation center, where he received a report from the Commander of Military Regional Command IX/Udayana, Maj. Gen. Piek Budyakto.

The report included the number of evacuees and the facilities available at the site, including sanitation areas for bathing and washing, toilets, clean water, public kitchens, and rest tents.

During the visit, evacuees enthusiastically welcomed the President, taking turns shaking his hand. Several women appeared visibly moved and shed tears in his presence.

“I have come to observe the measures that have been taken, and I wish to convey my condolences to all the people of Flores and the disaster‑stricken areas, especially those who have lost family members. I also want to assure you that the government is continuously monitoring the situation and taking steps to send aid and prepare everything necessary to overcome these hardships,” President Prabowo said.

He asked evacuees to remain patient, noting that experts estimate it will take up to three more weeks to reach relatively safe conditions. He promised that once conditions stabilize, the government will accelerate housing construction and repairs to homes damaged by the earthquake.

“Believe me, the government will not abandon you. We are here, and we will continue to assist you,” he said. ***