Earthquake trauma complicates recovery in East Nusa Tenggara

Rebuilding damaged houses and public facilities will not be enough to restore earthquake-hit communities in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. Many residents still sleep in tents because they fear further tremors, according to Muhammad Kholid, secretary-general of the Prosperous Justice Party.

Kholid made the remarks during a visit on Friday to residents affected by the disaster in Ronting hamlet, Satar Kampas village, in East Manggarai regency. He said some people remained too frightened to return to their homes at night, while schooling was also continuing in tents.

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We see that people still do not dare to sleep inside their homes. They still feel earthquakes every day. At night they sleep in tents, and school is still taking place in tents. This means the trauma remains very strong.

“We see that people still do not dare to sleep inside their homes. They still feel earthquakes every day. At night they sleep in tents, and school is still taking place in tents. This means the trauma remains very strong,” Kholid said.

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Physical reconstruction is important. But after that, mental reconstruction must also be a priority. Trauma healing must be strengthened.

He argued that psychological recovery must accompany the rebuilding of infrastructure. “Physical reconstruction is important. But after that, mental reconstruction must also be a priority. Trauma healing must be strengthened,” he said.

Kholid said the effects of disaster trauma could last a long time, especially for children, and called for sustained psychological assistance. He also emphasized that children need safe spaces to play, learn and grow without being constantly overshadowed by fear. During the visit, he distributed basic food supplies, children’s milk and storybooks to affected residents.

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Children need a space to feel safe again, play, learn and grow without constantly being overshadowed by fear caused by the earthquake.