President Prabowo Distributes Rp200 Billion in Aid for Earthquake Response in East Nusa Tenggara

President Prabowo Subianto has distributed Rp200 billion in Government aid to support the earthquake disaster response in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province. The aid comprises Rp40 billion for the NTT Provincial Government and Rp20 billion each for eight affected regencies on Flores Island: West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ende, Ngada, Nagekeo, Sikka, and East Flores.

While chairing a meeting on the earthquake response at the Earthquake Response Command Post at Yonif TP 834/WM Battalion in Nagekeo regency, NTT province, on Wednesday (8/26), the Head of State emphasized that the aid must be used appropriately to support disaster response efforts and assist affected communities.

During the meeting, Head of the National Agency for Disaster Mitigation (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Suharyanto confirmed that the Rp20 billion aid for each regency had been received by the respective local governments.

“Thankfully, Mr. President provided Rp20 billion in aid, which has been a great help to the local Governments,” said Suharyanto.

Suharyanto also said that all aid had been received and that the regents had been instructed to use the funds specifically for disaster response needs.

“The funds have been received, and we have also informed the regents that the aid must not be used for anything other than disaster response,” he said.

Meanwhile, NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena expressed his appreciation for the aid provided by President Prabowo. He noted that the support would significantly strengthen the local government’s response efforts and enable it to provide greater assistance to evacuees.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for providing the assistance. All regencies on Flores Island received Rp20 billion and the province received Rp40 billion. This helps us work more intensively to assist the evacuees,” said Melkiades.

President Prabowo emphasized the importance of local governments maintaining reserve stockpiles to handle emergency situation. However, if such systems were not yet fully in place, the Central Government would help facilitate their establishment.

“This means we would assist every province so that governors have warehouses and food supplies ready, and the same should apply to regents. Ideally, this is something they should already have. Regents and governors should have their own reserve stockpiles, but if they have not taken the initiative, then we will help make it happen,” said the President.

Through the Rp200 billion in aid and the strengthened regional logistical reserves, the Government aims to ensure a rapid response to the NTT earthquake while also building a more resilient system for disaster response in the future. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)