Analysis: When a disaster-prone nation cuts its safety net budget

Indonesia, perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent geological risks due to its location. The recent magnitude-7.7 earthquake off Flores Island, near Nagekeo, has reignited discussions about the country's disaster preparedness. Despite being situated in a high-risk geographic area, policymakers have sometimes dismissed these risks as an excuse for inadequate outcomes.

The earthquake, which struck on August 15, triggered over 7,492 aftershocks by August 26, with the strongest measuring 6.2. As of August 25, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported 105 deaths, 1,678 injuries, and 179,037 displaced residents. The damage included nearly 78,000 homes, 118 health facilities, 1,378 educational buildings, 483 government offices, 402 places of worship, and 156 road sections.

President Prabowo Subianto's delayed visit to Nagekeo, arriving 11 days after the disaster, has been criticized. He defended the delay, arguing that high-profile visits could distract rescue efforts. However, his presence holds symbolic value for survivors, offering emotional reassurance and signaling the state's priority on their grief and needs.

This delay echoes the slow response to the floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025, where the government faced criticism for a sluggish reaction and reluctance to declare a national emergency. Financial constraints due to budget cuts were later acknowledged as a factor in these delays.