Ministry of Social Affairs Sends Emergency Aid to Quake-Hit East Nusa Tenggara

RRI.CO.ID, Manggarai - Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs expands emergency response to earthquake impacts in East Nusa Tenggara. Vice Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono, made the statement in Manggarai on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The ministry distributed 30 tons of regular rice and 5,500 food packages across six affected districts. Assistance includes 5 tons of rice for each district, while Nagekeo received 500 food packages.

Sikka, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ngada, and Ende each received 1,000 food packages. In several areas, the food packages are also supporting public kitchens serving affected residents and evacuees.

Agus Jabo said all resources were mobilized to ensure basic needs remain available. He said the government is prioritizing food, shelter, clothing, family supplies, and other essential needs.

“The instruction is clear: affected communities must immediately receive assistance. We must ensure food, evacuation shelters, clothing, family supplies, and other basic needs are available,” he said.

The ministry currently operates and supports public kitchens in several affected areas. These kitchens produce around 4,100 meal packages daily, with additional food support from the Free Nutritious Meals program.

The ministry continues public kitchen support in Nagekeo, Sikka, and Manggarai until the emergency response period ends. Emergency supplies were also sent to Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ngada, and Ende for affected families and evacuation needs.

He added that the distribution of assistance is tailored to the needs and conditions of each affected area. The government will adjust its support as conditions on the ground develop.