Gov’t Establishes Integrated Command Post to Accelerate E. Nusa Tenggara Earthquake Response

The Government has underscored swift and integrated measures in handling the aftermath of the East Nusa Tenggara earthquake, ranging from the establishment of an integrated disaster command post in affected regions to the acceleration of rehabilitation and reconstruction of main infrastructure.

“As previously stated, a command post will be established immediately. By the second day, a command post has already been established. The Central Government established the national command post. The Head of National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will later explain how the logistical aid from Jakarta and other regions will be consolidated at Halim [airforce base] and shipped here,” the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said to the press after a coordination meeting on post-earthquake emergency response on Sunday (08/16) at the West Manggarai Regent’s Office, East Nusa Tenggara province.

According to the Coordinating Minister, during the emergency response phase, the Government prioritizes the rescue and recovery of affected residents and areas. The Government will also promptly restore key infrastructure so that it can resume functionality as soon as possible.

“During this emergency response phase, the main focus is certainly on rescuing affected residents, followed by restoring damaged infrastructure so that it becomes functional again, including roads, bridges, hospitals, electricity, internet networks, or others. We will recover them in the shortest possible time,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Coordinating Minister also said that the Government is also committed to sustainable recovery through the rebuilding of affected regions. In addition, he mentioned that the Government will strengthen the resilience of regional governments and communities in facing disasters.

“Disasters cannot be completely avoided, but we must build resilient regional governments, resilient communities, resilient infrastructure, and resilient people in facing disasters,” he added.

On that occasion, the Coordinating Minister emphasized that the fast and integrated actions taken by the Government serve as a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence among the people, especially in facing disaster situations. He added that synergy and synchronization across all levels of government are crucial to ensure that the recovery process runs swiftly and accurately.

“The Central Government is truly here as a full team. We are present here. Each person asks about existing problems, what has been done, what needs to be done, and so on. Therefore, synchronization is crucial because the central resources for emergency response and rehabilitation and reconstruction are very large,” he said.

The Coordinating Minister also expressed deep condolences to the disaster victims. He urged all elements of society to continue synergizing with the Government to accelerate emergency response and support the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction process. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/LW)