Meeting of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Earthquake Disaster Management Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, August 26, 2026
Held at the Earthquake Response Command Post located at the Infantry Battalion (Yonif) TP 834/WM base in Nagekeo regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province
President Prabowo Subianto:
Okay, is there more? I will summarize and add comments. First, my deepest gratitude to all related institutions. Thanks to: the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri). To the Commander of TNI, Chief of Polri, Chiefs of Staff, Military Regional Commanders, Regional Police Chiefs, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), on behalf of the Central Government, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you who have worked very hard and responded swiftly.
I deliberately chose not to visit earlier in order to give the relevant institutions space to focus on serving the affected communities. Sometimes, when too many central government officials come to disaster-hit areas, it can disrupt ongoing response efforts. Local officials must receive them and accompany them, which may divert attention from their primary responsibilities. That said, we have continued to monitor the situation closely. At the central government level, our most important role is to mobilize services and deliver assistance. That is what matters most. Simply visiting a disaster area without being able to contribute meaningfully to the response or provide aid would ultimately not be effective.
Having received your reports and monitoring the situation, I can see that we have done everything possible. Of course, we always want to do more. Thank you to the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara and the Regent of Nagekeo for their earlier reports. Thank you. The Regent, after all, is the government leader closest to the people. You may therefore already be seeing the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Perhaps only a small number of political elites, driven by political interests, do not yet understand its importance, but I believe they eventually will. For those who are financially secure, one meal may seem insignificant. But for families facing hardship, especially when it continues for days, it can mean a great deal. Many have shared such experiences with me. Some who have since gone on to become successful still recall saying, “When I was a child, Sir, I went to school hungry and returned home hungry.” Thankfully, they were able to overcome those circumstances. But our concern today is for mothers and children. This is where MBG has an important role to play. I am also confident that, once the Merah Putih Cooperatives and the Fishers’ Villages are properly established and operating, they too will provide significant support.
I have taken note of the Regent’s suggestion. I believe it is an excellent proposal, and we will support it. Regarding the 8,000 hectares of land that you have prepared, we need to identify a reliable water source. If necessary, we can drill wells or develop desalination facilities. I have urged the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to collaborate with the Defense University (Unhan), the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), and engineering faculties to develop desalination technology that we can produce domestically and deploy to areas in need, particularly Palue island. These facilities should be delivered promptly to the islands or other areas facing water shortages, including coastal communities.
And is this 8,000-hectare area located near the coast?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
The 8,000-hectare area is located primarily here in Mbay. As you travel through the area, you can see the extensive paddy fields, much like those in the Berdikari area of Nageko.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Is it close to the beach?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
Some parts are close, some are not, Sir. In the south…
President Prabowo Subianto:
Of 8,000 hectares, how many hectares are close to the beach?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
I do not think it is more than 10,000 hectares, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
From 8,000 hectares
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
From 8,000 hectares, not more than 100 hectares close to the beach, but more in the southern area, in Awe hill.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
That is far from the beach.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Mr. Regent, where do you think the water source is from?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
We have the National Strategic Project (PSN) in Nagekeo, Sir. This is Lambo reservoir. This is if…
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, is this dam?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
So, there is a large river?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, there is. There is Lambo dam; it is almost 100% complete. It will provide more than 45 million cubic…
President Prabowo Subianto:
So, there is a dam, right?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, there is.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Is it 90% complete?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, 9%
President Prabowo Subianto:
Almost finished?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
How much longer will it take?
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
It is estimated to take two or three months.
President Prabowo Subianto:
After three months, the water supply should be sufficient, correct? The remaining issue is ensuring that the irrigation network, including secondary and tertiary canals, reach the fields. Good. As long as the irrigation system is ready, we will support the development of the full 8,000-hectare area. Of the total, perhaps 100 hectares near the coast could be allocated for fish farming. We can also develop aquaculture along the coastline, with some facilities located directly on the coast and others slightly inland. That would be appropriate. One hundred hectares is already a substantial area for fish farming, while the remaining land can be used for agriculture.
Mr. Regent and Mr. Governor, and with support from the Central Government, I believe I understand the conditions in this region quite well. The problem is that tree cover here has declined significantly. If I am not mistaken, this has been happening for a long time, and forest clearing through burning has also been common. Is that correct? Yes, I remember. I know the situation well, as I spent a considerable amount of time in this region when I was young. That is the challenge we must address. Our communities need to be educated that land must not be cleared by burning. Nevertheless, this remains is a serious problem.
This area was once densely forested. If we look back 100 or 200 years, the Portuguese and the Spanish came to this region in search of timber for their navies. That was one of the reasons they colonized Timor-Leste and West Timor and other surrounding areas: they sought our timber to build and maintain their fleets. At that time, the military strength of major powers rested heavily on their naval forces, and naval vessels were built primarily from wood. So, this is something we should keep in mind. All right, that is part of our history.
At the provincial and regency levels, with support from the Central Government and universities, we need to established dedicate teams coordinated by the Directorate General of Higher Education (Dikti) and BRIN. These teams should include representatives of provincial and regency governments, universities, and perhaps, given the political dimensions involved, personnel from relevant institutions, including local government agencies. I want these teams to receive training from Dikti, the Defense University (Unhan), and BRIN.
I once formed a team comprising representatives from the Defense University (Unhan), the Directorate General of Higher Education (Dikti), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to visit several countries and learn how to accelerate reforestation. With support from the Central Government, we will establish nurseries at the provincial and regency levels to cultivate seedlings of productive trees and other plants.
All available land should be planted with productive trees, as well as trees that help protect and conserve water resources. In mountainous areas, we should implement permaculture. It may not deliver immediate results within one or two years, but if it is carried out carefully, it can help retain water in the soil and gradually increase groundwater availability within four, five, or six years. This is extremely important.
Hence, I am confident that, through permaculture, these barren areas can become green again within 10 years.
Therefore, alongside agriculture development, provincial and regency governments must also prioritize reforestation by planting trees on a large scale. This effort must be accompanied by education, beginning with young people and schoolchildren, so they understand that forests must no longer be burned and that trees must not be cut down indiscriminately.
Trees are the source of life. Trees are the source of life. No tree, no forest. No forest, no water. No water, no life. Remember that: No tree, no forest. No forest, no water. No water, no life.
Water is therefore an extremely important issue. We will make use of desalination technology.
Desalination technology developed by our own educational institutions is already available, while technologies from abroad have also become increasingly affordable. We will integrate these technologies and provide support to all regencies, districts, and villages that require access to clean water.
We must also educate our communities. I therefore support the 8,000-hectare project. If, as Minister of Public Works has indicated, the irrigation system becomes operational within three months, we can then begin developing the 8,000 hectares into a food-production hub.
We will also look at other regencies. Together, we will restore East Nusa Tenggara to a greener province, will we not, Mr. Governor?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Thank you, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Can you do it? Do not say thank you, but can you do it?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Are you sure?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir. Every seven years, we have been in the top five nationally. For agriculture, we can do it.
President Prabowo Subianto:
So, it is good. The livestock sector also has potential.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia:
Good, please do not go yellow; we must go green.
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia:
Do not interpret this into others.
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Our color is red-white.
Meeting Participants:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Desalination, they asked for more tents for schools.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, please be more calculated. And assess what types of tents. This is a military tent, but for schools, maybe….
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Allow me to report, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, please.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
So, Ministry of Primary Education and Secondary Education has prepared school tents.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
It is in the delivery process.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Temporarily, we also provide orange evacuee tents, Sir.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya:
Is it higher?
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir, but they can be used for schools temporarily.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, and wider?
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
It is wider.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya:
It is higher.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
The side of the tents can be extended, right?
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir, I will follow up to Mr. Regent.
President Prabowo Subianto:
How many people or students can fit in?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Yes, one platoon, 30 people.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
BNPB tents can accommodate 40—50 people.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Oh, 40 people. Good. School activities shall continue.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
We need to provide more tents, be it whether orange, green, or white. All right. As I have emphasized, water is critically important. Therefore, alongside immediate measures, we must also prepare medium and long-term solutions.
Permaculture takes five years. It demands patience, perseverance, resilience, and mutual cooperation. This is why everyone must to understand its importance. We will therefore strengthen education and public awareness. BRIN and the Directorate General of Higher Education (Dikti) will provide education not only in East Nusa Tenggara, but also across districts throughout Indonesia, on the importance of protecting degraded forests and restoring them through reforestation.
Going forward, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and their respective units will also have an important role to play. I thank the Regent. This gives me great encouragement. There may be a small group of people who rely on propaganda, social media, and similar means, perhaps because they have never witnessed children going hungry. Perhaps. I do not know. We respect criticism, but we must continue working hard for our people.
Regarding the issue we discussed earlier, I think it is the same. I always say that when I lead, I have a motto for myself and for those I lead: Whoever dares, wins.
Courage means having the courage to think, to ask questions, to listen, and the courage to understand the realities faced by those living in the most remote areas, those who are struggling the most, the poorest, and the most vulnerable.
For that reason, our leaders must be leaders who remain close to the people. I have always said that governors, regents, subdistrict heads, and village heads are the leaders closest to the people. Thank you for your input. In return, I would also like to share my thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I understand the local culture here. Land is sometimes cleared by burning, and burning is also sometimes used in hunting. Is that correct?
Meeting Participants:
Yes, correct, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Correct?
Meeting Participants:
Correct.
President Prabowo Subianto:
This is correct. This area once had abundant deer populations – deer were everywhere. Much of eastern Indonesia was like that, perhaps because our ancestors lived here when the forests were still dense. And let me say this: it’s all right; we need to change things, and we have to be brave enough to set the record straight. This area was once famous for sandalwood, wasn’t it? Sandalwood from this region? The whole world was looking for sandalwood. That’s why they came all the way here. Why did the Portuguese come here? Hundreds of years ago, 500 years ago, what did they come here for? If not to seek something of great value, what else would it be? This region has enormous potential, as do regions throughout Indonesia.
We must be determined. We must have the courage to think, and to think big. We must dare to set ambitious targets. That is how we succeed. Whether it is an individual who succeeds, a group that succeeds, a village that succeeds, a regency that succeeds, a province that succeeds, or a country that succeeds, it is those who dare. Those who dare to think, dare to seek knowledge, dare to learn, dare to pursue knowledge, and dare to take action.
I am pleased to hear your commitment, Mr. Regent. You have 8,000 hectares of land; if you had 20,000 hectares, that would be even better. But you have 8,000 hectares, and you are determined to develop it into a food-producing area. This is the mark of a true leader. I am grateful that we have leaders like you, and I believe the people are grateful to have a governor and a regent like you.
There is one more lesson I learned from my teachers: when times are difficult, always stand with your people. If you work for your people, you will not go wrong. Your people are facing hardship; some are hungry. How can we ensure that they are no longer hungry? We will transform land that is not yet productive into productive land. Your regency will become a green regency. Your province will become a green province. Indonesia will rise, and Indonesia will be strong.
Once again, be courageous. The world belongs to those who dare. Those who dare to dream. Dare even to dream. Never give up, never give up. And don’t—what is the expression?—wither before you bloom. Don’t give up before you even enter the battle. But I also understand the people of eastern Indonesia. In fact, when they are challenged, they are very courageous.
Good. Thank you, everyone. I would like to express my appreciation to all of you. Once again, everyone, check and review the people working under you who have worked hard. Take note of them. Our people, all those working under you who have worked hard, done their jobs properly, and made sacrifices. Earlier, someone mentioned it, the regent mentioned working until midnight, and the governor is working hard. Take note of this. Take note of who has worked hard and who has made sacrifices. And that must be recorded, and we must give them recognition. And that recognition must be given in a form that they can actually feel and benefit from. Sometimes, it should not be enough simply to say, “Thank you.” No, that’s not enough. Of course, saying thank you is better than not saying it at all. But there must be something tangible.
That’s right, isn’t it? A leader should not simply come, offer thanks, and leave. A leader must ask: “What do you need? So I am asking now: Mr. Governor, Mr. Regent, Military Commander, Police Chief, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), what further support do you need from the Central Government?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
You asked for tents?
Regent of Nageko Simplisius Donatus:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Sir, in Bali, Nusa, there was a request from Udayana Military Command. For better mobility and distribution of troops and logistics in the affected area, we ask for a transport ship.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Transport ship. What is it? LCM?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
What type?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Well…
President Prabowo Subianto:
LC physic? That can directly reach the beach, is that it?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Yes, Sir. The one that is managed directly by military command through Bekang.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Ok, noted. How many do you need?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Two, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Two?
Commander IX/Udayana Piek Budyakto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
This is good, not too many.
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
May I, Sir?
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, please.
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
Mr. President, for the operational support of our team, many of Bhabinkamtibmas have no vehicles. For this track, they should use trail motorbikes.
President Prabowo Subianto:
How many do you need?
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
One hundred, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
One hundred?
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Noted.
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
And a double cabin, Sir. Not all regional offices have patrol cars.
President Prabowo Subianto:
How many regional offices do you have?
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
There are 22, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
That means 22 double chains.
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Chief of Regional Police of NTT Rudi Darmoko:
Thank you, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Mr. Governor…
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir. For education needs, we have about 1,000 high schools in NTT.
President Prabowo Subianto:
1,000?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir. In Flores in particular, we may require approximately 500 tents for use as temporary schools. As discussed earlier, each tent can accommodate 30 and 50 people. Once classes resume, this can help reduce trauma among the affected students.
Second, Mr. President, this has been a recurring issue since 1992. The northern route has always been vital for the distribution of aid and supplies. When it is inaccessible, we must rely on air or sea transportation. With your permission, Mr. President, opening the northern route has been a longstanding aspiration since the tenure of Mr. Ben ‘Mboi’. If the route is opened, production centers, tourism destinations, and other economic activities in norther Flores will become more accessible, enabling the region to develop further.
President Prabowo Subianto:
What do you mean?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Open the northern route access, Mr. President.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Northern route?
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Mr. President.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Make a plan, Mr. Minister of Public Works.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
It is on the plan, Sir.
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Also, Mr. President, regarding university tuition fees, if possible, perhaps we could consider adopting a system similar to that in Yogyakarta, where the Sultan provides tuition-fee waivers. We could also provide assistance to children affected by the disaster, from elementary school through junior and senior high school, to university, by easing their education costs for the next several months, particularly for university students.
Lastly, Mr. President, regarding the economic situation, many people in East Nusa Tenggara obtain loans not only from banks but also from cooperatives. I have received reports that some daily-loan cooperatives have already been going after disaster victims and demanding that they make their payments. There are quite a number of these daily-loan cooperatives, which are essentially loan sharks.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Later, they should face me. Those loan sharks better face me. But, before, let them face Kapolda (Chief of the Regional Police) and Pangdam (Commander of the Regional Military Command).
Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Later, after the press media leave the room. Thank you. Chief of National Police?
Chief of National Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo:
Yes, Sir. I was about to explain about the ships that you previously asked. The lists are A3, B1, C1, and C2. You may add more.
President Prabowo Subianto:
It is supposedly based on arrangement; we should meet face to face, Pangdam (Commander of the Regional Military Command), Kapolri (Chief of the Indonesian National Police), but you may record, okay, thank you.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
May I, Sir?
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, please.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
The previous question from Mr. Governor. We have begun the northern route, every 10 km, 20 km. So, our initial target was from Bajo to Reo harbour, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
Later, it is expected to reach Sika, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
How long does it take to reach Sika in total?
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
Approximately, it is 600 km. We will figure it out, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
OK.
Minister of Public Works, Dody Hanggodo:
It is an ongoing project. Thank you, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Yes, please.
BPBD of Nagekeo regency:
Good afternoon, Mr. President, I represent the Nagekeo Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). We would like to request 5,000-liter water tanks.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Water tanks?
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Let us provide them, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Thank you. You can ask the water dam to the President, but for water tanks, let the BNPB handle it.
Head of BNPB Suharyanto:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
All right. Thank you. At times, we need to face challenges. Hardship or disaster can encourage us to think more creatively. Through such experiences, we come to realize reforestation and water management are essential for this region. Today, we have access to the necessary technology. Advances in science and technology have made many technologies increasingly affordable. Thirty years ago, desalination was beyond our reach; it was unaffordable and accessible only to wealthy nations. Today, however, we can develop desalination systems even at the village level. There are now many technologies that could be suitable for this region.
And energy as well. Going forward, our energy needs can be met through solar power technology. If necessary, perhaps we may be able to develop solar power plants in mountainous areas and on other land that is not yet productive. How many gigawatts of solar energy could we develop here to support productive economic activities?
I am optimistic that this region can eventually become a source of food for the nation and the world. The fisheries sector holds enormous potential here. From the air, the sea appears deep blue and remains unpolluted. Going forward, fisheries and seaweed cultivation should be developed in this regio. That is why I asked earlier about the length of the coastline and related matters. Indonesia has one of the longest coastlines in the world, perhaps the third longest.
\Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian:
Number two, after Canada, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Now, we are number two?
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian:
Number two due to the islands.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Wow, so it is Canada, then us.
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian:
Correct, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
So, we are longer than?
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian:
Russia, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Longer than Russia?
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian:
Yes, Sir.
President Prabowo Subianto:
Russia is constrained by ice for six months of the year; we provide year-round. So, this is all the potential. Fish, seaweed, maritime industries. Okay. I think this is all from me. Good luck, thank you. Thank you for your hard work.
I hereby conclude the coordination meeting by expressing our gratitude to the Almighty God and asking for his help to be protected. (BPMI of Presidential Secretrariat) (RD/MEP)