Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Social Affairs is accelerating relief efforts for earthquake victims of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) by distributing logistical supplies, setting up tents and emergency kitchens, and supporting victim families.
“The Ministry of Social Affairs is part of a team directly instructed by President Prabowo to provide assistance for affected families in East Nusa Tenggara,” Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
Yusuf noted his ministry’s personnel, working alongside a team coordinated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, have been working in the affected areas for the past two days.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has also deployed its Disaster Preparedness Volunteers (Tagana) to assist with ground operations.
Relief efforts continue to be carried out in coordination with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), local governments, and other relevant stakeholders.
Related news: Indonesia keeps Rp5 trillion ready as NTT earthquake toll hits 54
He explained the measures focus on evacuation, providing logistical support and ready-to-eat meals, disbursing compensation to the next of kin of deceased victims, and preparing post-disaster community empowerment programmes.
Yusuf added the government officials remain in affected areas to ensure the disaster response efforts can meet the local residents’ needs.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck NTT on Saturday morning (August 15), triggering a tsunami warning from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), which was later lifted.
In response, the government has deployed teams from relevant ministries and agencies to handle the impact of the disaster and distribute aid to affected communities.
According to the BNPB, as of 4:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Sunday, the death toll from the earthquake had reached 53.
Related news: Minister ensures disaster funds ready for NTT earthquake
Translator: Aditya R, Maria C, Raka Adji
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026