When the Earthquake Struck Ronting, the Red and White Dome Mosque was also Roboh

The Red and White Dome Mosque was also destroyed after being shaken by an earthquake in Rontting. (IST)

RONTING NTT - That morning, the atmosphere of Ronting, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), suddenly changed. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook the area on Saturday (15/8/2026). The strong shock made residents panic and a number of buildings were damaged.

In the midst of the panic, news of damage continued to arrive. Public facilities were affected, while the community tried to find a safer place from the possibility of aftershocks.

For residents of Ronting Village, Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai, one of the most heartbreaking sights is the collapse of the Al Istiqomah Mosque, which is better known as the Red and White Dome Mosque.

The house of worship which stands on the edge of Ronting Beach was almost flat with the ground after being shaken by the earthquake.

The mosque is not just a building where residents carry out worship. For the people of Ronting and its surroundings, the mosque is part of the history and development of Islamic life in the region.

The building also has ties with Dompet Dhuafa. In the period 2016-2018, the Al Istiqomah Mosque was renovated through the support of Dompet Dhuafa donors.

Now, the building that was once repaired and maintained together is facing a big test again.

"This is the state after the earthquake with a magnitude of M 7.7. The condition of the mosque collapsed and almost flat with the ground. This illustrates the devastating impact of the earthquake that shook. The sea water rose to the beach," said Ustaz Muhidur, a member of the Disaster Management Center (DMC) team Dompet Dhuafa.

The damage to the mosque is one of the images of how strong the shock felt by residents. In coastal areas, panic also occurred when the sea water rose to near the beach.

Dompet Dhuafa volunteers helped the victims. (IST)

Volunteer Movement from Morning

While residents were still trying to understand the situation, Dompet Dhuafa volunteers began to move.

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) and Dompet Dhuafa Cuma-Cuma Health Services (LKC) were deployed to respond to the needs of affected communities.

The quick action was carried out to ensure that the emergency needs of the residents could be immediately known and handled.

"Alhamdulillah, the team started moving from LKC to the DMC team of Dompet Dhuafa from this morning to help, respond to, and handle the people affected by today's earthquake," said Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation.

The DMC team conducted assessments in a number of affected areas. They combed the community's conditions while mapping the most urgent needs, ranging from basic needs to the possibility of establishing a communal kitchen.

Meanwhile, the LKC Dompet Dhuafa team set up a health post in Ronting to help people who need medical services after the earthquake.

The response is important because the impact of the earthquake not only touches buildings, but also the lives of residents who suddenly have to face emergency situations.

Scouring the Affected Area

The earthquake, which was centered in the Nagekeo area, NTT, with a depth of 10 kilometers, was felt in a number of areas. Based on BMKG information in the report, the affected areas include Nagekeo/Mbay, Sikka, West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ende, Alor, Lembata, and other areas that are still under monitoring.

A number of public facilities were reported to have been damaged. The port was also affected, while residents and workers in coastal areas were hit by panic due to the strong tremors.

However, in the midst of a situation that has not fully recovered, the main concern remains on the safety of residents.

Volunteers continue to assess to find out who needs help and what is most needed. From the results of the screening, emergency assistance is expected to be provided appropriately to affected communities.

The Red and White Mosque is a memory of the Ronting residents. (IST)

The Mosque That Became a Memory

The collapse of the Red and White Dome Mosque leaves a story of its own.

For some people, the collapse of a building may only be seen as physical damage. But for residents of Ronting, the mosque holds history, memories, and has been part of people's lives for years.

The mosque on the beach was once built and renovated with the spirit of mutual cooperation and support from many parties. The renovation in 2016-2018 through the support of Dompet Dhuafa donors became one part of the building's journey.

Now, after the earthquake shook, all that is left is rubble.

But in the midst of the ruins, there is still hope for recovery. Because, disasters not only bring about damage, but also show how humans strengthen each other when faced with difficult circumstances.

Dompet Dhuafa volunteers are still in the field to help the community pass through the early post-earthquake period.

The public is urged to remain calm, not easily influenced by information that cannot be accounted for, and to stay away from coastal areas and buildings that are cracked or damaged.

For communication needs related to disasters, the public can contact [phone].