Kupang – The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has moved swiftly to respond to the impact of the earthquake that struck several areas of Flores on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The response was carried out through seven regional Kadin boards in Nagekeo, Sikka, Ende, Ngada, East Manggarai, Manggarai, and West Manggarai regencies. Local Kadin teams immediately monitored conditions on the ground, assessed community needs, and distributed initial assistance to affected residents.

Chairman of the NTT Kadin Bobby Lianto said coordination with the heads of the regional Kadin offices began immediately after the earthquake. The move was aimed at monitoring conditions in affected communities while accelerating the distribution of aid to areas in need.

Initial assistance was prioritized for urgent necessities, including basic food supplies, tarpaulins, cash assistance, and other essential items. Aid was primarily provided to residents who had been forced to evacuate and stay in open areas after their homes were affected by the earthquake.

In Sikka Regency, Chairman of Sikka Kadin Hari Japira personally distributed food supplies and cash assistance to affected residents. Assistance was also provided to victims receiving treatment at hospitals and distributed through the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Sikka.

A similar response was carried out by Manggarai Kadin. Chairman of Manggarai Kadin, Boni, personally visited Reo and three evacuation sites to assess residents’ conditions and distribute assistance.

Meanwhile, in Ende Regency, Chairman of Ende Kadin Haji Heri Jufri personally led the distribution of aid to several affected areas. The Kadin team encountered access difficulties after several roads were blocked by landslide debris and disrupted by the earthquake.

With the support of heavy equipment and cooperation among teams on the ground, the Kadin delegation was eventually able to pass through several difficult-to-reach areas. The team then continued its journey to assess conditions and distribute assistance to affected communities.

Similar efforts were also carried out by the Nagekeo Kadin team and Kadin offices in several other regencies. NTT Kadin has ensured that inter-regional coordination continues so that assistance reaches not only areas that are easily accessible, but also communities in locations facing transportation and access challenges.

Bobby said the needs of communities in several areas remain significant. One of the key concerns is the availability of food and drinking water in Nagekeo Regency.

According to a report from Nagekeo Kadin Chairman Sambu Airelius, several shops and businesses were also affected by the earthquake, disrupting trading activities. This situation has affected the availability and distribution of basic necessities.

“In Nagekeo, there are still challenges in the supply of food and drinking water because shops have been affected by the earthquake. This is one of our concerns,” Bobby said.

To strengthen the humanitarian response, Bobby has briefed Kadin Indonesia Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie on developments on the ground. NTT Kadin is also working to secure additional assistance, including solar-powered lamps, generators, and other supplies needed during the emergency response period.

Bobby emphasized that NTT Kadin and its regional offices would continue to stand alongside communities throughout the disaster response process. According to him, Kadin’s role extends beyond the economic and business sectors, as the organization is also committed to contributing to social and humanitarian efforts when communities are affected by disasters.

The 81st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Bobby said, serves as a reminder that the spirit of independence should be reflected through compassion, solidarity, and mutual cooperation.

“Independence is not only about celebration, but also about compassion and mutual cooperation. When communities are facing hardship, we must be there to help,” he said.

NTT Kadin will continue to strengthen coordination with regional Kadin offices and various stakeholders to monitor developments on the ground and ensure that assistance is delivered quickly, effectively, and in line with the needs of affected communities.