IPB University Aid Convoy Delivers Food and Water Equipment to Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo — A relief convoy from IPB University and the Aksi Relawan Mandiri Himpunan Alumni IPB (ARM HA-IPB) has reached Labuan Bajo carrying food supplies and equipment intended to improve access to clean water for communities in Flores recovering from recent earthquakes, according to reports from CNBC Indonesia and Republika.

CNBC Indonesia reported that the IPB University Peduli and ARM HA-IPB expedition brought around 2.2 tonnes of logistics for displaced residents and water facilities in Flores, arriving in Labuan Bajo on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

Republika described how the convoy’s truck, loaded with relief goods, sailed aboard the KM Cucut from Sape, Bima, before docking in Labuan Bajo on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, following a rerouting of the overland journey due to weather-related challenges along the originally planned route.

The cargo included food, educational materials and religious items. Republika reported that the shipment comprised 6,350 packs of sterilized, ready-to-eat rice developed by IPB University, 24 boxes of books and children’s toys, 11 boxes of personal supplies for evacuees and two boxes of Qurans, alongside water-related equipment donated by Yayasan Satu Umat Alumni SMAN 70 Jakarta.

Both Republika and an earlier dispatch on the departure of the expedition noted that the aid package also contained a set of machines and devices designed to support clean-water access in Flores. These included four water pumps, three water-purification units and two reverse-osmosis machines, as well as additional pumping and filtration equipment for use at temporary shelters and affected communities.

Route and departure from Bogor

According to Republika, the convoy left IPB University’s Science and Technology Park in Bogor on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, after being formally flagged off by the university’s rector.

The aid was first transported by road from Bogor, with organizers initially planning a route via Surabaya and onward by sea to Labuan Bajo. Republika reported that poor weather and maritime conditions prompted the expedition team to choose an alternative path through Banyuwangi, Bali and Lombok before reaching the ferry port at Sape, Bima, from where the truck and its cargo were loaded onto KM Cucut for the final leg to Labuan Bajo.

Planned distribution across Manggarai Raya

CNBC Indonesia stated that the assistance is aimed at people displaced by the Flores earthquakes and at improving water services in several parts of the island. The outlet reported that food parcels and other relief items are to be distributed to evacuation posts in Manggarai Barat, Manggarai and Manggarai Timur — the area often referred to collectively as Manggarai Raya.

Republika added that the clean-water equipment is designated for installation at four sites: Wersawe hamlet in Cuncawulang village, Mbeliling district in Manggarai Barat; Salama village in Reok district, Manggarai; Pota urban village in Sambi Rampas district; and Gololijun village in Elar district, Manggarai Timur.

Republika reported that the relief team planned to travel from Labuan Bajo to Wersawe on Thursday, 17 September 2026, then continue toward Ruteng, Reok and Pota to supervise distribution and prepare the deployment of the water equipment.

Coordination with partner organizations

Coverage from Republika and other outlets on the departure of the convoy indicated that the relief operation is being carried out in cooperation with Yayasan Kabua Dana Rasa, Yayasan Pahami Quran and tertiary institutions affiliated with IPB University.

Organizers highlighted that the assistance is intended to complement government and local relief measures by providing ready-to-eat food, learning materials for children and technical support for clean water infrastructure in communities across Manggarai Raya.

Sources

• Republika - Ekspedisi Bantuan IPB University Peduli dan ARM HA-IPB Akhirnya Tiba di Labuan Bajo
• CNBC Indonesia - Ekspedisi Berliku, Ribuan Paket Bantuan Tiba di Labuan Bajo
• RM.id