KKP Sends 50 Tons of Aid to Earthquake-Hit Communities in NTT

RRI.CO.ID, Kendari - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Government, has sent around 50 tons of humanitarian aid to communities affected by an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The aid was dispatched from Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, on Monday, August 17, 2026, aboard the Orca 06 patrol vessel bound for Labuan Bajo.

Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and Southeast Sulawesi Governor, Andi Sumangerukka, led the dispatch of the aid at Kendari Samudera Fishing Port. The shipment is expected to reach Labuan Bajo in about two days before being distributed to affected areas across NTT.

The aid consists of food supplies, medicines, and other essential items needed by communities affected by the disaster. The shipment includes 40 tons provided by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and 10 tons contributed by the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Government.

Trenggono said the aid was intended to help meet the immediate basic needs of communities affected by the earthquake. He also emphasized that the government's response reflects solidarity and the spirit of mutual assistance among Indonesians during times of crisis.

“Amid our Independence Day celebrations, our brothers and sisters in NTT are facing a disaster. Therefore, independence must also be understood as being present and working together to help those in need,” he said.

The minister said the assistance sent from Southeast Sulawesi was an initial stage of the humanitarian response. He added that the distribution of aid would continue during the emergency response and recovery periods, while the ministry identifies the needs of affected communities, particularly those working in the marine and fisheries sectors.

The Southeast Sulawesi government also took part in collecting and loading the relief supplies for shipment to NTT. The collaboration reflects efforts by different levels of government to respond quickly to the needs of communities affected by the earthquake.

Following the shipment from Southeast Sulawesi, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries is also preparing additional aid collected in Jakarta, including ready-to-eat food, clothing, blankets, and generators. Trenggono expressed hope that the assistance would reach affected communities quickly and strengthen solidarity among regions in responding to disasters.