Central Java Sends Aid and 16 Personnel to Quake-Hit NTT

RRI.CO.ID, Semarang - The Central Java Government sent 16 personnel and thousands of aid packages to earthquake-hit East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The first aid mission was dispatched from Semarang on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, said the team must coordinate with the NTT Government upon arrival. The coordination aims to ensure aid reaches communities according to their immediate needs.

Luthfi stressed that the government would continue monitoring developments and checking aid distribution regularly. He asked the team to prioritize accurate distribution while supporting emergency response efforts.

“Every day we update the activities, so that the assistance is truly right on target. So, make sure the assistance is right on target,” Luthfi said.

The 16 personnel come from BPBD Central Java, social and health agencies, and the Indonesian Red Cross. They will support Urban Search and Rescue, logistics, and health operations across affected areas.

Luthfi also urged the team to maintain solidarity and prioritize safety during the long land and sea journey. He said Central Java would prepare further assistance because conditions in NTT remain highly dynamic.

“Mr. Regional Secretary and Mr. Deputy Governor, coordinate with the regents and mayors to plan the second stage. This is only stage one, because conditions there are highly fluctuating,” Luthfi said.

The first shipment includes 3,795 food and non-food packages, 1,115 clothing and family packages, and 6,587 shelter supplies. Ten vehicles will transport the aid from Semarang through several ports before reaching the field post in Ende.

The mission will also support aid distribution in Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Sikka, while personnel bring emergency health support. Tagana Central Java volunteer Agus Budianto said the team was ready to help affected communities and urged Indonesians to show solidarity.

“To our brothers and sisters in East Nusa Tenggara, you are not alone. We, the contingent from Central Java, are ready to help and extend our hands, to heal the wounds of our brothers and sisters there,” Agus said.