Indonesian VP Gibran Visits NTT Earthquake Survivors, Apologizes for Gaps in Emergency Response

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited an evacuation center at Gelora Samador Stadium in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday, meeting with residents affected by a recent earthquake. "I sincerely apologize if there are still many shortcomings in the field. Public safety is the top priority," Gibran said, acknowledging gaps in the emergency response.

During the visit, the Vice President spoke directly with residents to assess conditions and urgent needs, and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster. He said he had instructed central and regional governments to ensure that basic aid—including food, clean water, toilets, medicine, and healthcare—reaches all affected communities, including those in hard-to-reach mountainous areas. Special attention was requested for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, who should be registered, monitored, and given tailored support.

In line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives, the government said it will continue emergency response and recovery efforts quickly and sustainably. Gibran advised evacuees to refrain from returning to damaged homes for now, citing continued risk of aftershocks, and confirmed that damaged houses, schools, and public facilities would be repaired promptly.

The earthquake occurred in East Nusa Tenggara province, not Bali, and no direct damage has been reported on Bali island. However, NTT is home to popular tourist destinations such as Komodo Island and Flores, so travelers heading to that region may experience temporary disruptions to transport and accommodation.