Indonesia Dispatches Special Aid for Women, Children in Earthquake-Hit NTT

Indonesia is deploying specialized aid to support women and children impacted by the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, confirmed that the unique needs of these vulnerable groups have not yet been fully met.

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God willing, we will depart for NTT tomorrow. We have prepared one Hercules aircraft

A Hercules aircraft is scheduled to depart on Monday, August 24, 2026, carrying essential supplies directly to the affected regions. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with several development partners. Minister Fauzi emphasized that the aid is tailored to the specific requirements of women and children, with a particular focus on strengthening psychological assistance for the younger victims.

Local officials, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the National Population and Family Planning Board, have been actively involved in trauma healing efforts. However, Minister Fauzi noted that children are beginning to show signs of boredom and distress while staying in temporary shelters, highlighting the need for a collective and sustained support system.

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It appears that the children are starting to get bored in the trauma tents

The earthquake's impact varies across NTT's regencies, with East Manggarai Regency reportedly experiencing the most severe consequences. The logistical challenges are significant, as some disaster-stricken areas are inaccessible by road. Consequently, aid delivery will involve aerial drops, a method previously employed in regions like Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. As of August 21, 2026, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had recorded over 4,200 aftershocks in NTT.

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So, some aid is being dropped from the air as in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra