inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is utilizing sea transportation to overcome geographical access limitations and distribute emergency response logistical aid to earthquake victims, including those in the outermost islands of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), such as Palue Island.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, said that the deployment of a fleet of ships was carried out to ensure that victims in isolated areas after the earthquake received aid supplies quickly.
"We distributed aid to Palue Island in Sikka Regency by sea. This step is a faster solution to penetrate island areas that face land accessibility constraints after the disaster," he said in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday (8/16/2026).
The use of sea routes is part of the BNPB's strategy of interconnecting land, sea, and air transportation modes to reach all evacuation points in NTT.
The aid successfully distributed to Sikka Regency includes emergency shelter supplies such as 146 family tents, 5 refugee tents, 200 folding mattresses, 700 blankets, and 400 mats.
In addition, BNPB also supplied basic life support needs in the form of 300 basic food packages, 100 kids' kits, 100 hygiene kits, 5 water tanks, 10 generators, and lighting equipment or light towers.
Meanwhile, BNPB Head Suharyanto emphasized that activating emergency posts and optimizing distribution channels in the regions is a top priority to ensure all survivors, both on the mainland and smaller islands, receive equitable services during the emergency response period.
In addition to BNPB, several ministries and agencies are also mobilizing resources to support earthquake response. The central government continues to coordinate with the provincial and district/city governments affected to ensure aid is distributed according to needs on the ground.
The BNPB, along with all disaster management elements, will continue to monitor developments in the situation and community needs, and ensure that logistical support and equipment can be mobilized quickly to support the emergency response process in affected areas.
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