Indonesia Reopens Trans-Flores Highway After East Nusa Tenggara Earthquake

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is rapidly restoring infrastructure in East Nusa Tenggara following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Minister Dody Hanggodo urged local governments to quickly submit damage data to facilitate swift and precise repairs.

"This is important so that the Ministry of Public Works team can immediately go to the field, coordinate with local governments, and conduct direct inspections of every affected location," Hanggodo stated in a written release. The ministry is ready to provide technical support and infrastructure handling, with local governments prioritizing affected areas.

The ministry's National Road Implementation Center (BPJN) in NTT has deployed personnel and equipment to reopen access. "We are present at every disaster, because the President's directive is clear that we must not grieve for too long, we must rise as quickly as possible," Hanggodo said.

Nine national road segments suffered damage, including dozens of landslides, road breaks, and damaged bridges and culverts. As of August 16, 2026, all nine affected segments are functional. Eight segments of the Trans-Flores route, from Labuan Bajo to Ende to Maumere, are passable, as is the Ruteng-Reo-Kedindi route. Temporary repairs have addressed 40 landslide points and four road breaks, while five damaged bridges and culverts remain functional enough for public mobility.

BPJN NTT mobilized seven excavators and four loaders to clear landslide materials and repair road damage, ensuring access to affected areas remains open. The restoration of these nine national road segments is a crucial step in the recovery of Flores Island post-earthquake.