Indonesia urges community-led reconstruction for quake-hit NTT homes
Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) chairman Jusuf Kalla urged speedy reconstruction of earthquake-damaged homes in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through community involvement.
Source: ANTARA News · August 28, 2026 at 9:39 AM · AI-assisted report
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NTT, INDONESIA, 28 AUGUST 2026 —
Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) chairman Jusuf Kalla urged speedy reconstruction of earthquake-damaged homes in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) through community involvement.
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Kalla told reporters on Friday that rebuilding homes is the biggest challenge after disasters because costs are high and timelines long. He called for a joint effort involving government, business, communities, universities and humanitarian groups.
“Government can supply materials while communities help rebuild their own houses,” he said during a visit to shelters in Gelora Samador and at the Sikka district BPBD command post in Maumere. “We did this in Yogyakarta after the earthquake.”
In Yogyakarta, government provided construction materials, engineering students assisted with construction and residents received income support during recovery. Kalla emphasised victims must play an active role rather than wait for aid.
“Displaced people should not just sit and wait. They need to work and help rebuild their lives,” he said.
For NTT, PMI will survey material needs such as corrugated iron, cement and tools, then channel aid based on field findings.
“PMI can help buy materials. We will see what is most needed and then ask donors to contribute,” Kalla said.
He urged using local resources to cut costs and speed up reconstruction.
“Use what is available locally. Importing everything raises transport costs,” he said.
Kalla set a six-month target for rehabilitation and reconstruction if all stakeholders participate. He said past disaster responses should guide NTT’s recovery so normal life resumes quickly.
“Disasters are humanitarian issues. All religions teach us to help those in distress—that is our hope,” he added.
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