Yorrys Raweyai Extends Condolences, Calls for Swift Response to NTT Earthquake

15 August 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id – Vice Speaker II of the House of Regional Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Yorrys Raweyai, has expressed his deepest condolences following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) in the early hours of Saturday (August 15, 2026). Yorrys urged all relevant parties, including the central and regional governments, to maximize coordination to ensure that all victims and affected communities receive prompt and appropriate assistance.

“As part of the DPD RI leadership, I extend my deepest condolences over the earthquake disaster that struck the NTT region,” Yorrys said in a written statement in Jakarta on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Yorrys said that the dozens of people who lost their lives and the thousands who have been forced to evacuate are fellow Indonesians who urgently need attention and assistance. He therefore called on the government to ensure that the basic needs of affected communities are met, including healthcare services, food, clean water, shelter, and protection for vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

“The government must ensure that every victim receives assistance. People in affected areas must not be left struggling to access basic necessities or healthcare services,” he stressed.

In addition to emergency assistance, Yorrys urged the government to ensure that all information provided to the public is accurate, reliable, and sourced from official authorities. This is essential to prevent panic and the spread of unverified information in the aftermath of the earthquake.

“I hope people affected by the earthquake will continue to coordinate with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and local governments. The public must also follow all official instructions and information regarding post-earthquake conditions,” Yorrys added.

He emphasized that disaster management requires cooperation and coordination among institutions. The central and regional governments, BNPB, BMKG, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), healthcare workers, volunteers, and all relevant stakeholders must work together to accelerate evacuation, search and rescue operations, and the fulfillment of people's needs.

Yorrys also called for the rapid and accurate collection of data on casualties and damage. Such data is crucial as a basis for the government to determine appropriate response measures, distribute assistance, and carry out recovery efforts in affected areas.

“The most important priority at this time is the safety of the people. Every development must be closely monitored and reported regularly so that government decisions truly reflect conditions and needs on the ground,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DPD RI will continue monitoring the post-earthquake situation through its regional representative office and DPD RI members representing the NTT electoral district.

“The DPD RI leadership has asked all DPD members from the NTT electoral district to provide regular updates on the earthquake situation in their respective areas. We want to ensure that the aspirations and conditions of affected communities are known and receive the government's attention,” Yorrys added.

Yorrys further stressed that once the emergency response period ends, attention must also be directed toward community recovery and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Disaster management, he said, must not stop once the emergency situation has passed.

“Post-disaster recovery must also remain a priority. People need assurance that the government will be present from the emergency response phase through rehabilitation and reconstruction,” he said.

As previously reported, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the East Nusa Tenggara region. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 15 kilometers, with the epicenter located approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, NTT.

According to BNPB, 38 people have died and dozens of others have been injured so far. Meanwhile, thousands of residents have evacuated to avoid the risks and potential further impacts of the earthquake.

Yorrys called on all elements of society to work together to help affected residents and maintain calm throughout the disaster response process.

“In a situation like this, the solidarity and spirit of mutual cooperation of all Indonesians are greatly needed. Let us come together to help our brothers and sisters in NTT and provide support so that they can recover and rise again from this disaster,” he concluded.