August 17, 2026 | 02:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi could not confirm whether President Prabowo Subianto will travel to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as the government takes into account the latest developments in the quake-hit region.
"We'll take into account the situation. The ministers are already there. We'll see what happens, then we'll decide," Prasetyo said at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Nevertheless, the Gerindra Party politician said Prbaowo has instructed his aides to first arrive in the earthquake-affected areas.
Several ministers were absent from the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta because they were in NTT.
These included Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno; Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian; Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo; Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus; and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono.
"They will monitor the situation and ensure the mitigation measures in the face of the recent disaster that struck East Nusa Tenggara," said Prasetyo.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores on Saturday, August 15, 2026, killing more than 50 people. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 15 kilometers, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, also caused damage to residential areas, infrastructure, and public facilities.
Prasetyo Hadi claimed adequate care for the victims, despite the celebratory atmosphere as Indonesia commemorates Independence Day today, August 17.
"While we are celebrating independence, of course, on the other hand, we must make sure that those affected by the disaster are properly cared for," he said.
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