The directive was issued during a coordination meeting on disaster response in Tonggurambang Village, Nagekeo District, NTT, on Wednesday.
"Schooling must not stop, so bring in more tents," Prabowo told the meeting, which was attended by central government officials, military and police personnel, and local authorities.
Prabowo issued the directive after Nagekeo District Head Simplisius Donatus reported that 80 percent of schools in the district were unable to operate properly because of earthquake damage.
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Head Suharyanto said BNPB tents could temporarily be used as emergency classrooms, with each tent accommodating around 40 to 45 people.
"The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also prepared tents, which are currently being shipped," Suharyanto added.
Following the meeting, Prabowo, accompanied by central and local government officials, visited displaced residents in Nagekeo District to inspect their condition.
Addressing the evacuees, the president assured them that the government was preparing temporary facilities and renovating damaged buildings so that classes could resume as soon as possible.
"For safety reasons, classes may have to be held in tents for now," he said.
Prabowo reaffirmed the government's commitment to continuing to support affected residents throughout the recovery process until normal conditions are restored.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck NTT on Saturday (August 15) morning, prompting the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to issue a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
According to BNPB Head Suharyanto, the death toll has reached 105, while 1,678 people were injured and 179,073 displaced.
Related news: President Prabowo visits earthquake-affected residents in Nagekeo
Related news: Ministry provides Rp860 million to quake-affected schools in NTT
Translator: Genta Tenri, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2026