Denpasar, 21 August 2026 — Melali Indonesia Journeys expresses its deep concern and heartfelt condolences following the earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on 15 August 2026, claiming lives and causing damage across a number of areas.
Dr. Ketut Jaman, Managing Director of Melali Indonesia Journeys, extended his support to the people of Flores and to the families of the victims now facing a difficult time in the wake of the disaster.
“We extend our deepest condolences to every family who has lost someone, and to all the people of Flores affected by the earthquake. May they be given strength and fortitude, and may the recovery process proceed well,” said Dr. Ketut Jaman.
Melali Indonesia Journeys also commends the swift response of the Bali Provincial Government in providing assistance to the people of NTT. Governor of Bali Wayan Koster travelled to Flores on 20 August 2026 and met with Governor of NTT Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena and Governor of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Lalu Muhamad Iqbal to see conditions on the ground firsthand and to strengthen coordination of the post-disaster response.
A Historic Bond of Bali, NTB and NTT
That solidarity has deep historical roots. In the early years of Indonesian independence, Bali, NTB and NTT were part of a single administrative territory known as the Province of Sunda Kecil, with Singaraja in Bali as its capital. In 1954 the territory was renamed the Province of Nusa Tenggara, before being divided into three provinces under Law Number 64 of 1958.
Although they are three separate provinces today, their shared history, geographical proximity and social and cultural ties remain an important part of the relationship between the people of Bali and those of Nusa Tenggara. That spirit was visible once again when Bali and NTB moved quickly to help Flores in the aftermath of the disaster.
The Bali Provincial Government has dispatched logistical aid, medical supplies and a joint team of personnel drawn from BPBD Bali, medical staff of the Bali Health Office and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Bali. The assistance was distributed in coordination with the disaster response command post in NTT in order to reach the affected areas.
According to the regional authorities, the recovery of Flores will not end when the emergency response period closes. Rehabilitation and reconstruction will take time, particularly because the earthquake also affected homes, government facilities, places of worship and other public amenities.
Dr. Ketut Jaman regards solidarity between regions as an essential part of the recovery process.
“Disasters know no administrative borders. Solidarity and gotong royong — working shoulder to shoulder — are a vital strength in helping communities get back on their feet. We hope the bond between Bali, NTB and NTT grows stronger still, both in facing disasters and in building tourism and the well-being of our communities,” he said.
Flores, A Destination Worth Discovering
For international travellers, Flores is among the most compelling destinations in Indonesia, combining nature, culture and a travel experience found nowhere else.
The island is home to Komodo National Park, the conservation area renowned as the habitat of the Komodo dragon and set within an extraordinary island seascape. In Ende, Lake Kelimutu offers the sight of three crater lakes whose waters change colour naturally.
Cultural encounters await at Wae Rebo, the traditional village known for its Mbaru Niang houses and for a community life that still holds to ancestral custom. Elsewhere, Padar Island, the savannah of Labuan Bajo and the beaches of Flores — among them Koka Beach in Sikka — present landscapes of remarkable variety.
Flores brings together volcanic landscapes, biodiversity, tropical seas, exotic islands and the cultural heritage of its communities. It is this richness that has steadily made the island better known to travellers from around the world.
Melali Indonesia Journeys hopes the recovery can proceed step by step, so that the communities, the local economy and the tourism sector of Flores may grow again.
“Flores holds extraordinary natural and cultural wealth. When conditions are safe and the island is ready to receive visitors again, we hope international travellers will return to enjoy Flores responsibly, and in doing so contribute to the economic recovery of local communities,” said Dr. Ketut Jaman.
Melali Indonesia Journeys offers its prayers and support to the people of Flores. We believe that through solidarity, collaboration and responsible tourism, Flores will rise and once again welcome the world.
Source: Bali Post.