Flores earthquake damages 1,918 schools in East Nusa Tenggara

The Flores earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has caused extensive damage to educational infrastructure, affecting 1,918 educational units. According to data from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as of August 23, 2026, 665 schools suffered severe structural damage, impacting 6,927 classrooms.

The disaster has disrupted the education of 141,207 students and forced 48,164 members of the school community to evacuate. Damage is heavily concentrated in Manggarai Regency, with 381 schools and 1,887 classrooms affected, as well as Nagekeo and East Manggarai regencies. Other destroyed facilities include 418 laboratories, 1,928 toilets, and 370 teacher residences.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate recovery. This includes psychosocial support from universities, humanitarian aid for basic needs, and community involvement. To address the shortage of learning spaces, 785 schools have requested 2,908 emergency classroom units. As of August 30, 2026, 89 emergency tents have been installed.