Sikka quake: Minister says bridge recovery may take 1-2 more days

Kupang — Restoring road access was the immediate priority in earthquake-hit Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, after Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said several damaged bridges would need another one or two days before becoming fully functional, according to reports on 24 August 2026.

Hanggodo said national roads that had been cut off were cleared and reopened to support mobility and aid delivery. He also said several sections had been repaired, including Lianunu-Hepang, Krica-Nitung and Krica-Lidi.

Bridge repairs and landslide risks

Authorities said the Koro-Maumere section near Dagedama Bridge remained a concern because landslides were still active on nearby slopes. They recommended retaining walls to stabilise the area and additional heavy-equipment work to support further repairs.

One of the most heavily affected structures was Wolowiro Bridge, which suffered severe damage. The response plan called for closing the bridge, providing an alternative route and later building a permanent replacement.

Separate reporting later said the national-road network and affected bridges in Nusa Tenggara Timur had returned to function, but the 24 August statements focused on immediate post-quake recovery in Sikka and the need to restore traffic links as quickly as possible.

The earthquake disrupted access across parts of Sikka and damaged several roads and bridges, prompting emergency repair work to reopen key routes for residents, aid teams and logistics.

What officials said

According to the minister’s account, the work was aimed not only at reopening transport links but also at making them more resilient to future disasters. President Prabowo Subianto was also cited as directing authorities to rebuild infrastructure in a way that supports the return of public services and economic activity.

Officials said the priority was to keep essential movement going while crews addressed unstable ground and bridge damage in the district.

Sources

• tvonenews.com
• RRI
• Setkab