Indonesia’s Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ministry has deployed teams to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to verify damage from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on August 15, leaving 127 people dead and 1,668 others injured as of September 1, according to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Minister Yandri Susanto stated that field teams are mapping out and inspecting the damage to categorize affected areas into light, moderate, and severe damage.
Did You Know? A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck NTT on Saturday, August 15 morning, resulting in 127 deaths and 1,668 injuries as of September 1, alongside a recorded decline in evacuees as aftershocks began to ease, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
Damage Verification and Inter-Agency Coordination in NTT
The Ministry’s personnel are actively compiling data on the ground to establish accurate allocation figures for post-disaster recovery. Minister Susanto noted that final budget figures remain undetermined because meticulous data gathering is required to prevent misallocations or miscalculations. In the near future, Susanto plans to coordinate closely with relevant ministries and agencies to outline a clear division of responsibilities across government bodies handling the crisis. Meanwhile, logistical support is already moving into the region, highlighted by Bulog sending 1,321 tons of rice to the quake-hit province.
Sumatra Recovery Efforts and Infrastructure Upgrades
Alongside operations in NTT, the Ministry is finalizing recovery efforts for Sumatra following devastating floods and landslides that struck three provinces in the region in late 2025. Susanto explained that facilities falling under the Ministry’s purview will be rehabilitated and restored to upgrade existing village infrastructure. Action on data collection for North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra will proceed once funding is officially disbursed. An approved first-stage budget proposal of Rp58 billion, or approximately US$3.27 million, for North Sumatra and Aceh is currently ready for realization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disaster in East Nusa Tenggara?
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck NTT on the morning of Saturday, August 15, according to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
What is the current status of the damage assessment in NTT?
The Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Ministry has deployed teams to map and inspect damage, categorizing affected areas into light, moderate, and severe damage while compiling data on the ground.
What funding has been approved for recovery efforts in Sumatra?
A first-stage budget proposal of Rp58 billion, approximately US$3.27 million, has been approved for North Sumatra and Aceh and is ready to be realized following late 2025 floods and landslides.
How are local communities responding to the ongoing recovery process across affected regions?