August 19, 2026 | 10:34 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Palace is preparing a visit by President Prabowo Subianto to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck the region on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that although President Prabowo has yet to inspect the disaster site in person, the government is already taking active steps to manage the situation.
"It is being planned, but we must also point out that in the initial stages, we often choose to focus on handling the emergency first," Prasetyo said at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Prasetyo stressed that a presidential visit to a disaster-stricken area demands meticulous preparation. "A presidential visit certainly requires preparation and facilities that are distinct from a normal visit," he said.
The Gerindra Party politician assured that the central government is monitoring disaster relief operations on a daily basis. Relevant ministries and agencies, including the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), continue to submit regular updates.
Prasetyo also voiced appreciation for regional governments that dispatched logistical aid to quake-affected communities. "For example, assistance from the Central Java Provincial Government. This is a testament to our solidarity in aiding those impacted by the disaster," Prasetyo said.
Asked for further details on the schedule for Prabowo's NTT trip, Prasetyo noted that officials are still evaluating conditions on the ground. "We will monitor and assess conditions on the ground first," he said.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that as of Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. WIB, the death toll from the magnitude-7.7 quake in NTT had risen to 70.
By breakdown, 27 fatalities were recorded in Manggarai Regency, 25 in East Manggarai Regency, eight in Nagekeo Regency, four in Sikka Regency, two in Ende Regency, two in West Manggarai Regency, and two in Ngada Regency.
Additionally, 1,182 people suffered injuries. The disaster has also displaced 40,040 residents. The majority of displaced residents are currently taking shelter in Manggarai Regency, Nagekeo Regency, and Sikka Regency.
Read: PLN Restores Electricity Across Flores After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
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