Kupang City strengthens earthquake impact response in six districts

KUPANG CITY, FLORES ISLAND, MANGGARAI BARAT, MANGGARAI, MANGGARAI TIMUR, NAGEKEO, ENDE, SIKKA REGENCIES, 26 AUGUST 2026 —

Kupang City Government Allocates RM635 Million in Aid for Earthquake-Hit Regions in Flores

Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo said the aid, which includes 500 million rupiah from the city’s contingency budget and 135 million rupiah from civil servant donations and a mayoral fundraising event, aims to show solidarity with communities in Manggarai Barat, Manggarai, Manggarai Timur, Nagekeo, Ende, and Sikka regencies.

“This assistance is a symbol of our solidarity. We want to convey that our brothers and sisters in Flores are not alone. One island is hurting, and the others are ready to help. Humanity knows no territorial boundaries,” Widodo said in a statement received on Wednesday.

He began distributing aid in Manggarai Barat Regency on Tuesday (Aug 25) as the first of six targeted regions.

Widodo emphasized that the aid reflects Kupang City’s concern for earthquake victims, despite the city not experiencing direct tremors.

“Even though we weren’t shaken by the earthquake, we feel their suffering,” he said.

In Manggarai Barat, Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng expressed appreciation for the aid, calling it a meaningful gesture of support.

“For us, the amount isn’t the issue. The presence of the mayor, bringing aid directly, is extraordinary,” he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Manggarai Regency, where Regent Herybertus Geradus Laju Nabit thanked Kupang City for its support, which he said reassured residents in Kupang City with family in the affected areas.

“Quantity isn’t the concern—this presence is what matters most,” Nabit said.

The aid distribution will continue to the remaining regencies in the coming days.

Related: Christian Widodo