DPP APINDO NTT Provides Rp50 Million in Aid for Flores Earthquake Victims

KUPANG - The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Leadership Council of the Indonesian Employers Association (DPP APINDO NTT) has demonstrated its solidarity with communities affected by the earthquake in Flores by providing Rp50 million in assistance to the NTT Provincial Government.

The assistance was handed over during the Flores Earthquake Solidarity Night, held on the closing night of the NTT Development Exhibition at the Harper Hotel Kupang field on Monday (August 24, 2026).

The donation represents the business community's solidarity and commitment to supporting the recovery of communities affected by the disaster across several areas of Flores. The assistance was symbolically received by the NTT Provincial Government and will be used to support various post-disaster recovery programs.

In addition to the assistance provided to the NTT Provincial Government, DPP APINDO NTT also donated Rp10 million to the NTT Provincial Regional Leadership Council of Pemuda Katolik. The funds will be used to support transportation and meals for volunteers, public kitchen operations, and other humanitarian needs for communities affected by the earthquake.

Chairman of DPP APINDO NTT, Bobby Pitoby, said the assistance reflects the commitment and concern of the business community in NTT toward people affected by the disaster.

"The earthquake that struck Flores is not only a tragedy for the affected communities, but a shared sorrow for the people of East Nusa Tenggara. APINDO NTT is here to demonstrate that the business community has a social and humanitarian responsibility to work together in helping ease the burden of those affected," Bobby said.

According to Bobby, since the disaster occurred, APINDO NTT has not only mobilized support and donations from its members but has also deployed humanitarian teams to affected areas.

He explained that, in addition to the Rp50 million and Rp10 million in direct assistance, APINDO has prepared additional humanitarian aid with a total value of approximately Rp500 million in food, clothing, and shelter-related assistance to be distributed to affected communities across Flores.

The assistance is a joint contribution from DPN APINDO, DPP APINDO West Java, and DPP APINDO NTT.

"Before the assistance was formally handed over tonight, the APINDO NTT humanitarian team had already visited and distributed aid directly to communities in three affected regencies: Manggarai, West Manggarai, and East Manggarai. We want to ensure that the assistance provided reaches those who need it most," he said.

Bobby also expressed his appreciation for the collaboration among various stakeholders in responding to the earthquake, including support from the West Java Provincial Government.

"We were also entrusted with accompanying the Governor of West Java, Mr. Dedi Mulyadi, and his delegation during the distribution of assistance in the affected areas. The APINDO NTT team was led by Secretary General Toni Dima, together with two APINDO NTT officials, Jesica Sodakain and Anzhy Daud Ga," he said.

He added that assistance provided by the West Java Provincial Government, DPP APINDO West Java, the Depok City Government, Bank Jawa Barat, and businesses across West Java-including financial support for the reconstruction of residents' homes and other humanitarian assistance-demonstrated the spirit of interregional solidarity in helping the people of Flores recover.

Bobby expressed hope that the solidarity demonstrated by the government, business community, civil society organizations, volunteers, and the wider community would help accelerate recovery efforts in the affected areas.

"We encourage all parties to continue maintaining the spirit of togetherness and mutual cooperation. Post-disaster recovery requires time, resources, and support from many parties. APINDO NTT will remain committed to contributing to humanitarian efforts and regional development, particularly in supporting communities facing hardship as a result of disasters," he stressed.

The Flores Earthquake Solidarity Night served as an important moment to strengthen cooperation among the government, business community, civil society organizations, and the public in supporting recovery efforts and rebuilding hope for communities affected by the earthquake in Flores.