Indonesia confident it can handle NTT earthquake impact alone, no foreign aid sought

Indonesia's government has asserted its capacity to manage the aftermath of a magnitude 7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara, ruling out the need for foreign aid. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the country is not yet opening its doors to international assistance, expressing confidence in the nation's ability to cope.

"Based on daily reports from our teams monitoring the situation on the ground, we can handle everything well," Prasetyo stated, highlighting that urgent needs such as logistics, temporary shelters, and permanent housing are already in the process of being addressed. The government is actively identifying needs and planning repairs for damaged structures.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that all missing persons have been accounted for following the earthquake. Search and rescue teams remain on standby in the seven affected districts. The Ministry of Health has deployed two field hospitals to Ruteng in Manggarai Regency and Nagekeo Regency to provide medical services to victims.

As of August 17, the earthquake had claimed 68 lives, according to BNPB data. The agency continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates on any further casualties.