Gerindra Comments on Govt Donation Drive for NTT

A spokesperson for Indonesia's ruling Gerindra party expressed unawareness regarding a government-initiated donation drive for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Bahtra Banong, a Deputy Speaker of House Commission II, stated he had not seen the specifics of the drive but affirmed that the government possesses dedicated disaster management funds.

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I haven't looked into the details regarding the donation drive, but what is certain is that the government has already sent aid.

Banong elaborated that disaster response funding should already be allocated through the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). He noted that House leaders and the Finance Minister were assessing needs on the ground, prepared to allocate additional emergency funds if necessary. "Disaster budgets are already in place," he said, adding that the central government would prepare measures for unexpected events exceeding forecasts.

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Disaster budgets are already in place. So, when unexpected events happen that exceed our forecasts, the central government will certainly prepare the measures.

The government's move to open a donation drive, which included QR codes displayed during Independence Day celebrations, generated online discussion. The state asset management agency Danantara successfully raised Rp2.16 billion through its participation. Rohan Hafas, Managing Director of Stakeholder Management at Danantara Indonesia, explained the drive aimed to foster public solidarity for the earthquake-affected population in NTT. The earthquake, which struck Flores Island on August 15, 2026, had resulted in 71 deaths and 331 injuries as of August 19, 2026, according to BNPB data.

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Public participation at the 'Folk Arts in the Spirit of Independence' event can be channeled into concrete aid for our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster in NTT.