TNI accelerates NTT quake response from evacuation to field kitchens

hartono · Aug 19, 2026

TNI accelerates NTT quake response from evacuation to field kitchens

Personnel of Indonesian Military unload aid supplies for earthquake victims in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. (ANTARA/HO-Penerangan Kodam Udayana)

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Troops under IX/Udayana Military Command have been responding to the impact of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake which struck East Nusa Tenggara through data collection, evacuation, health services, field kitchens, and meeting basic needs.

The response was further reinforced by the arrival of Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday.

Minister Sjamsoeddin, together with the Indonesian Military (TNI), also dispatched 20 tons of humanitarian aid from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta to Labuan Bajo.

The aid included ready-to-eat meals, blankets, tents, sanitary pads, diapers, and various other logistical supplies. It also included solar panels, water purification devices, and satellite internet equipment to support the needs of affected communities.

Assistant of Territorial Affairs to the Chief of Staff at the IX/Udayana Military Command, Col. Yudi Riyanto Ratu, said the troops have been on the ground since the first day of the disaster to identify affected areas and collect data on community needs.

"Since the first day of the incident, the troops have been on-site to identify affected areas and gather data. We also immediately carried out relief efforts quickly," Ratu said.

He added basic staple food aid has been distributed through district military commands in affected areas, while TNI personnel have also set up evacuation posts and health facilities.

"Staple food aid from the district military commanders is underway. Our personnel have also set up evacuation posts, health facilities with medicine support, and field kitchens for affected communities," he said.

For injured victims, the personnel have evacuated them to the nearest hospitals to receive medical treatment.

"For people who suffered injuries, we immediately evacuated them to the nearest hospitals so they could receive medical treatment," Ratu said.