East Nusa Tenggara earthquake relief efforts

Following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the Indonesian government has initiated emergency relief and recovery operations. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries deployed the surveillance vessel Orca 06 to deliver 50 metric tons of food and medicine to Labuan Bajo and surrounding areas, while establishing a task force and disaster response posts to coordinate efforts.

To address food security for the approximately 34,600 displaced persons, the National Food Agency (Bapanas) confirmed that the region holds 39,000 tons of government rice reserves, which is estimated to be sufficient for at least one year of relief. Following directives from President Prabowo Subianto, approximately 6,000 tons of rice have been distributed, including a delivery of 15 tons to Manggarai Regency on August 20, 2026. Bapanas has implemented 24-hour aid posts to monitor food requirements and ensure supply reaches difficult locations via land, sea, or air.

On August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced the deployment of 48 generators to support health facilities across seven affected regencies. This initiative aims to maintain essential services in medical tents and community health centers (puskesmas). Accompanied by President Prabowo Subianto during a visit to Nagekeo Regency, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia noted that the ‘ESDM Siaga Bencana’ program has been active since August 16, 2026, and has established approximately 30 emergency response posts to assist with logistics, health services, and search operations.