Recurring Disasters in East Flores: Real Threats and a Test of State Preparedness
REINHA.com – The Kopi Juang Discussion Forum will hold a public discussion with the theme, “Disaster is Coming, Country is Late: How Long Will East Flores Wait?” Taking place at Kedai Saluni-Taman Kota Larantuka, this public discussion was scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 21 2026, at 18.00 WITA until finished.
This discussion presented Melky Kolibarang, Bachtiar Lamawuran, Konradus Kusno Wada as speakers, with moderator Yosef Marselino Fernandez. “This discussion takes a position from the community’s voice and will then be recommended to the state,” said Christo Kabelen, Coordinator of the Kopi Juang Discussion Forum, in a written statement, Friday (20/2).
Christo Kabelen explained that East Flores Regency was once again in the national spotlight following a series of disasters that occurred in recent years. Volcanic activity, extreme weather, floods and landslides show that the area on the eastern tip of Flores Island is under high and recurring disaster risk.
“The most real threat comes from the activities of Mount Lewotobi Laki. Throughout 2024-2025, the mountain experienced a significant increase in activity. The eruption caused thousands of residents to be affected and have to evacuate from vulnerable zones. Based on the situation report released by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), thousands of residents were recorded as being directly affected during the 2024-2025 eruption period,” he explained.
Apart from the eruption, East Flores is also facing prolonged extreme weather. The regional government had declared emergency response status due to high intensity rain which triggered floods and landslides in a number of sub-districts. Hilly geographic conditions and unstable soil structure increase the potential risk, especially in densely populated areas.
According to mapping from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), a number of villages are in disaster-prone areas (KRB) for eruptions and lahars. This means that the threat is not an incidental event, but a risk that has been scientifically identified.
Society Moves First
In every emergency phase, the first response almost always comes from the community itself. Residents helped each other with the evacuation process, places of worship were opened as refugee camps, and local communities gathered logistics. Social solidarity has proven to be the main support when a crisis occurs.
“However, the same pattern continues to repeat itself: the mitigation system is considered not yet optimal, evacuation routes are not fully ready, and disaster education is not evenly distributed to the village level. This condition raises questions about the effectiveness of prevention and long-term preparedness,” explained Christo Kabelen, continuing.
Disaster observers assess that East Flores needs to strengthen a more integrated system. Starting from risk-based spatial planning, strengthening early warning systems, to community-based disaster education.
Disasters are not just natural events
Geographically, East Flores is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is a seismically active area. However, experts emphasize that the impact of disasters can be reduced through good risk management.
“Vulnerability is not only a matter of nature, but also a matter of system readiness,” he said.
East Flores is now at an important crossroads: maintaining a reactive response pattern or strengthening a sustainable preventive approach. In the midst of climate change and dynamic geological activity, investing in mitigation is no longer an option, but an urgent need.
“For the people of East Flores, safety is not a special request. It is a basic right that must be guaranteed before the next disaster strikes,” stressed Christo Kabelen.
Furthermore, Christo Kabelen explained that public discussions about disaster management in East Flores must have the courage to go beyond narratives of grief. It must be a space of moral and political pressure. The state must be forced to be present before a disaster, not just arrive after it is too late. Because citizen safety is not a gift, but a right.
“How long will East Flores wait?” Close Christo Kabelen.
# Recurring Disasters in East Flores: Real Threats and a Test of State Preparedness
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