Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has begun distributing food aid to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Through state-owned food company Bulog, the government is providing rice and cooking oil to help meet basic needs during the emergency response.
Each affected regency will receive an allocation of 10 tonnes of rice and 1,000 liters of cooking oil. Bulog is working with the Indonesian military and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to deliver the supplies.
As an initial step on Sunday, August 16, Bulog distributed 1 tonne of rice to Manggarai Regency and 500 kilograms to Nagekeo Regency.
Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani said the company was ready to accelerate aid distribution based on conditions in the affected areas.
“Bulog is ready to move quickly to help the government and communities affected by the disaster in NTT. Rice and cooking oil will be distributed gradually according to needs and conditions on the ground,” Rizal said.
He added that the priority was ensuring affected residents could quickly access essential food supplies.
Bulog will continue coordinating with local governments and other agencies to expand distribution to additional affected areas.
The company will adjust deliveries based on accessibility, local conditions and developments following the earthquake.
Bulog also said it had prepared food stocks and distribution networks across NTT to support the relief effort.
Meanwhile, the government and Bulog will continue monitoring conditions in affected areas. They will also take further measures to support recovery and ensure residents’ basic needs remain covered.
