West Papua Solidarity: Flores Earthquake Donations Reach Rp167 Million

The Flobamora Association in West Papua has successfully gathered Rp167.641 million (approximately $11,000 USD) in donations for victims of the recent earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The fundraising initiative, which included street appeals, saw significant support from various community elements in Manokwari.

Clinton Tallo, the head of PRBF West Papua, expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by both the NTT diaspora and other Indonesian community groups. "The funds collected so far amount to more than Rp167.641 million. Not only NTT families participated in the street fundraising, but other community groups in Manokwari also helped," he stated.

The fundraising campaign, launched on August 17, 2026, involved direct appeals on several busy streets. Contributions also came from volunteers within provincial and district government agencies, as well as various other institutions. "We are very thankful to all the people in Manokwari who have shown concern for the Flores earthquake victims," Tallo added.

The emergency response period for the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores lasted 14 days, from August 15 to August 28, 2026. To facilitate further assistance, Flobamora West Papua has established a donation post at the Molas Multipurpose Building in Manokwari. Tallo mentioned that funds collected by various groups, including community organizations, campuses, and political parties, have already been handed over to them.

Similar solidarity actions are also underway among NTT diaspora communities in other districts, such as South Manokwari, Wondama Bay, Fakfak, and Kaimana. The provincial Flobamora committee is currently coordinating with district-level officials to organize the distribution of the collected funds. As a gesture of sympathy, PRBF West Papua also plans to hold a "thousand candles" event in Manokwari while awaiting the final collection of donations before they are sent to Flores. The earthquake has so far caused 100 deaths, 1,603 injuries, and displaced 180,327 people.