NTT Earthquake Response Rated Fast, Observer Asked to Be Consistent until Recovery

Not long after the earthquake in NTT, the government immediately moved quickly to provide logistical assistance with an air fleet. (Photo: Presidential Press Office)

JAKARTA - Political observer Hendri Satrio considers that the government's quick response in dealing with the impact of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) should be the standard of government work, not just a response in certain conditions.

Hendri appreciated the government's quick steps in dealing with the impact of the NTT earthquake which occurred on Saturday (15/8/2026). However, according to him, the government's speed in responding to disasters should indeed be part of the standard of service to the community.

"The government's quick action in handling the NTT earthquake is certainly worthy of appreciation. But, in fact, this kind of thing should be the government's standard," said Hendri in his statement in Jakarta, Sunday (16/8/2026).

According to the founder of the KedaiKOPI Survey Institute, the handling of the NTT earthquake shows that the government is able to coordinate various elements and deploy resources quickly when faced with an emergency situation.

"This means that the government can be quick. It can move immediately, it can coordinate various elements when it is needed," he said.

Government's Quick Response is Important

Hendri gave an example of the steps taken by the Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya who monitored the development of handling earthquakes as a form of the central government's attention to conditions in the field.

"Teddy checks, makes sure what the development of handling is like. This kind of thing seems simple, but in a disaster situation it must be done," he said.

He assessed that the speed of response was very important in disaster situations because it was directly related to the safety and fulfillment of the basic needs of affected people.

However, Hendri reminded that the rapid response in the early phase of the disaster did not stop after public attention began to decrease.

According to him, the government must ensure that the recovery process for affected communities runs consistently until it is completed.

"Usually what is also important is after the first days. Don't be quick only when all eyes are looking. The recovery of the community must also be escorted until it is completed," he said.

Handling NTT Earthquake is a Test of Public Trust

Hendri said the public ultimately does not only judge the government's statements after disasters, but also sees directly the speed of assistance and the effectiveness of coordination in the field.

"Government communication will be much stronger if the public sees the state for themselves. There is no need to say too much that the government is working if the work is visible," said Hendri.

He added that consistency in providing a quick response can be one way for the government to build public trust through actions that are felt directly by the community.

Hendri hopes that the pattern of rapid action shown by the government in handling the NTT earthquake can be applied in dealing with various other issues that require immediate decisions and actions.

"If this fast movement pattern can be consistent, the public will judge. The government does not need to be busy asking for praise," he said.