State Secretary: Govt Not Opening Foreign Aid for NTT Quake Response

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, confirmed that the government is capable of handling the aftermath of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). As a result, he said, the government is not yet considering opening access to foreign aid.

“Based on the reports we have received, everything is still being handled well. As for foreign aid, it’s too early. We’ll see later,” Minister Prasetyo Hadi said in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026.

He said the government continues to deliver logistical assistance and set up evacuation centers for residents affected by the earthquake. Temporary and permanent housing is also being prepared. “We are able to manage logistical needs at evacuation sites effectively. In fact, plans for repairing settlements are already in the identification stage.”

Deputy Minister of Public Works, Diana Kusumastuti, said the government is still identifying infrastructure damage caused by the earthquake. Her team is awaiting reports on damaged or affected buildings.

“This is currently being identified in coordination with the Minister of Public Works and the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture. The report is being compiled,” she said.

She noted that many buildings were heavily damaged, especially on Rinca and Padar islands. Landslides have also blocked roads, and cleanup operations are underway. “Some buildings on Rinca and Padar islands have collapsed. Everything is being identified. Let’s wait for the full report,” she said. (Misni Parjiati)