Swift Disaster Response: PPA Group Deploys Emergency Response Teams to Earthquake-Affected Areas in NTT

PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA) Group and the Garuda Rescue Nusantara Foundation (collectively referred to as PPA Group), operating under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM) Disaster Emergency Response coordination, have deployed Emergency Response Teams (ERT) to tectonic earthquake sites in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The teams are assigned to support search and rescue (SAR) operations, field assessments, medical services, and the distribution of basic necessities for affected residents.

Two PPA ERT units were dispatched on Saturday (15/08). The first team was deployed to the Nagekeo Command Post in Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency, comprising four personnel: one team leader and three rescuers.

The second team, consisting of nine personnel—one team leader, four rescuers, and four medical personnel—was stationed at the East Manggarai Command Post in Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency.

Upon arrival, PPA ERT personnel coordinated with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and relevant entities within the ESDM Disaster Response Post. This coordination was crucial for mapping field conditions and determining immediate aid requirements across affected regions. The team subsequently conducted monitoring and search sweeps across several locations, including Labuan Bajo, Reok District, Pota, Nagekeo, and Mbay.

"To all corporate teams serving under the ESDM Disaster Response Command, keep up the good work. Thank you to all company teams who have carried out this humanitarian mission in NTT," expressed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia during his field visit on August 28.

Field responses remain ongoing amid continuing aftershocks. Current data indicates 111 fatalities, 1,678 injuries, massive damage to over 82,000 homes, and impacts on nearly 118 healthcare facilities, 2,756 educational facilities, 500 office buildings, and 495 places of worship, alongside disrupted land, sea, and air transport routes. The team also mobilized to North Lamba Leda, East Manggarai Regency, following reports of urgent community needs for basic foodstuffs, milk, and staple groceries.

Alongside the Joint SAR Team, PPA ERT personnel conducted ground sweeps in several villages, including Tongarambang, Marapokot, and Liang Deruk.

Beyond supporting search and rescue operations, PPA ERT personnel established public kitchens and medical posts, delivered psychosocial support through trauma healing activities, and distributed food packages to affected communities.

PPA ERT personnel remain on-site to continue relief operations alongside the ESDM Disaster Response team, planning to stay until conditions stabilize.

The deployment of PPA ERT in NTT reinforces the company's commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The expertise of its rescue and medical personnel serves as a vital asset in supporting rapid, structured, and coordinated disaster response efforts alongside the government and joint SAR units. Through cross-sector collaboration, PPA Group aims to ensure effective field support while expediting aid delivery to affected communities throughout the emergency response period.