Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Following an Inspection of East Nusa Tenggara Earthquake Response Efforts in Berdikari Field, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, 

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Shalom,
Salve,
Om swastiastu. 

Ladies and gentlemen, and our beloved younger generation,

I am here together with several officials, including the Ministers, the Chief of the National Police (Polri), the Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Governor [of East Nusa Tenggara], the Regent [of Nagekeo] Mr. Simplisius Donatus, the Vice Regent [of Nagekeo] Mr. Gonzalo [Gratianus], the Commander of [the Udayana] Regional Military Command, the Regional Police Chief, and other officials. The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara is also here, along with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Minister of State Secretary, and the Cabinet Secretary.

I came here to monitor the measures being taken in response to the disaster. I would also like to extend my deepest condolences to the people of Flores and to everyone affected, especially those who have lost family members. I want to assure you that the Central Government continues to closely monitor the situation and is taking the necessary measures, including delivering assistance and preparing to address the challenges ahead. This is a natural disaster. We must remain vigilant, learn from it, and take the steps to strengthen our preparedness.

We have already prepared repairs and temporary measures so that schools can reopen as soon as possible, and we will implement them immediately. For safety reasons, schools may initially need to operate in makeshift tents. According to the experts, we need to be patient for approximately, at most, another three weeks before conditions are relatively safe overall. Then, we will begin building temporary housing and repairing homes, and so forth. So, please believe that the Government will not abandon you. We are here, and we will continue to help all of you. Thank you.

Earlier, the Regent [of Nagekeo] shared with me his ideas for making this regency a highly productive region. We will develop all of East Nusa Tenggara. We will develop all of Indonesia, regency by regency, district by district, village by village. Our people must be able to live well and prosper. I received a report from the Regent that the people of Nagekeo regency are feeling the benefits of the Free Nutritious Meals program (MBG). Is this true? Do you want the program to continue or not? Thank you. Yes, I believe we should continue the program so that our children remain healthy, so that pregnant women remain healthy, and so that our elderly can live comfortably as they enjoy their later years.

I think that is all from me. Thank you. Continue? That is what I wanted to say.

I would also like to thank everyone involved, including Mr. Governor, the Regent, the Vice Regent, the Commander, the Regional Police Chief, the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and all the other officials. The Minister of Home Affairs is also here accompanying me. The Polri Chief . Do you all know him? Mr. Listyo, yes? What is his full name? Huh? Huh? Who knows the full name of the Chief of the National Police? Huh? Huh? What? Listyo Sigit and then? You, you’re from Golkar party, so of course you know. This is for the people. Whoever gets it right, I’ll give them a prize. Huh? Yes, that’s correct. The Minister of Home Affairs, who knows his name? Huh? Huh? Tito who? Karnavian? Oh, oh. Huh? The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, what is his full name? Huh? Huh? Huh? What? Come here, come here, come here. What is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources’ name? Bahlil who? The full name. Huh? Who? Lahadalia. Correct. Give him a prize. Who is the Commander of the Regional Military Command? Oh, there is something written there. We cannot do this one. Enough, enough, enough, enough, enough. All right then, okay. Stay strong! Stay strong! Alright.

Thank you.  (FI/MUR)